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NEW DELHI: Delhi’s air quality plunged to “very poor” level on Thursday as the air quality index reached 311. This was the worst AQI level recorded in the capital this season.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed Delhi’s average PM2.5 and PM10 levels three times above the safe standards of 60 and 100 micrograms per cubic metre, respectively. The average PM2.5 and PM10 levels at 7pm were 154.8 and 317.5 micrograms per cubic metre respectively.

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Similar air quality is predicted for the next two days. “The decrease in wind speed has started to negatively influence Delhi’s air quality by drastically decreasing ventilation coefficients and thereby effecting dispersion,” a SAFAR report said.

The share of external biomass burning in Delhi’s PM2.5 was 7% on Thursday, and it is expected to go down to 3% on Friday. The situation on the Diwali day may not be as bad as last year.

On Friday, mainly clear sky is expected with mist or smoke in the morning. The maximum and minimum temperatures will be around 31 and 17 degrees Celsius respectively.

