On Monday, the capital city’s air pollution lingered in the “very poor” category, as the Central Pollution Control Board’s monitoring stations showed widespread readings above 300 AQI across multiple locations.

At the same time, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted partly cloudy skies and the possibility of very light rain toward the evening, offering a faint glimmer of hope for pollutant dispersal. The weather office recorded high humidity in the morning hours and expected a daytime maximum close to 29 °C, indicating stable, stagnant conditions favourable to smog formation. 

Environmental experts warned that without stronger winds or heavier rain, the pollution load is unlikely to clear significantly, explaining why the “very poor” category persists despite the forecasted drizzle. Residents, particularly children, the elderly and those with respiratory issues, are advised to limit outdoor activity and use protective masks when venturing out.