Due to a strong dust storm, the air quality in Delhi was recorded as ‘poor’ with 301 micro grams per cubic concentration of Particulate Matter – 10.

According to the National Ambient Air Quality Index (NAAQI), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded 251.

City’s Anand Vihar recorded highest levels of Suspended Particulate Matters (SPMs) with PM 10 and 2.5 recorded 308 and 325 respectively. 

Scientists from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said air quality is likely to deteriorate further as strong, westerly winds are likely to blow over the city till April 1.

“The change in the color of sky is mainly due to the dust, the dust particles from Rajasthan are affecting air quality, these conditions will continue till April 1 following which temperature will rise further,” a MeT scientist said. 

System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) in its weather forecast said that the overall air quality is in the high end of the moderate category. “Surface winds are moderate and forecasted to stay high for the next 72hours.Better ventilation is forecast however, an increase in coarse dust contribution in suspended particles is expected due to the dust raising high winds. Chance for significant long-range transport of dust from the arid region for a short period exists. AQI is likely to stay in the Poor to Moderate category for the next three days,” SAFAR said.

The air quality in the national capital was recorded in the poor category. The air quality index (AQI) was 202 at 9.05 am, real-time data of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed.  An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe.

On Monday, the maximum temperature shot up to 40.1 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest day in March since March 31, 1945.