Delhi Records 'Poor' Air Quality as CPCB Registers AQI of 229

Delhi recorded 'poor' air quality on Thursday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 229, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Under the standard classification metrics, an AQI reading between zero and 50 is categorized as 'good', while 51 to 100 is 'satisfactory'. Readings between 101 and 200 are considered 'moderate', 201 to 300 fall under 'poor', 301 to 400 are classified as 'very poor', and readings between 401 and 500 are deemed 'severe'.

Alongside the air quality update, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported on temperature conditions across the city. The minimum temperature at Safdarjung, which serves as Delhi's base weather station, settled at 19.2 degrees Celsius. This figure is 3.1 notches above the normal average for this time of the season.

Other weather stations across the national capital recorded varying minimum temperatures. Palam registered a minimum temperature of 17.7 degrees Celsius, Lodhi Road recorded 18.4 degrees Celsius, the Ridge noted 19.0 degrees Celsius, and Ayanagar recorded a low of 17.4 degrees Celsius.

Looking ahead at weather conditions, the IMD has forecast generally cloudy skies accompanied by moderate rain expected during the course of the day.

"Environmental conditions and weather patterns directly influence urban mobility, consumer behavior, and daily business operations in the capital region. For businesses and urban planners, monitoring metrics such as air quality and meteorological forecasts is essential for maintaining operational continuity and managing workforce health. As environmental standards evolve, companies must factor these operational variables into their long-term regional strategies." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes