The air quality in Delhi remained in the 'poor' category on Saturday morning, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 212 at 7 a.m., slightly better than Friday's reading of 277.

In specific areas of the city, the AQI levels varied:

Alipur: 205
Anand Vihar: 249
Bawana: 278
Chandni Chowk: 168
Dwarka Sec-8: 212
Nehru Nagar: 247
IGI Airport (T3): 247
Rohini: 253
Pusa: 242
Mundka: 264
The AQI scale categorizes air quality as follows:

0-50: Good
51-100: Satisfactory
101-200: Moderate
201-300: Poor
301-400: Very Poor
401-500: Severe
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the temperature in Delhi was recorded at 9.4°C at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday. IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy noted a rise of 4-5°C in temperatures on Friday, following cold wave conditions earlier in the week.

On Wednesday, Delhi experienced its coldest December morning, with the minimum temperature dropping to 4.9°C and a maximum of 23°C. The IMD attributed this sharp decline to a western disturbance and predicted that minimum temperatures will stabilize around 8-9°C for the next 5-7 days, while maximum temperatures will range between 22-24°C.

"The sudden dip in temperatures was caused by a western disturbance, leading to a 4-5°C drop. However, temperatures have now risen, and we expect minimum temperatures to stabilize at 8-9°C over the coming days," said Roy.

Shelter for the Homeless
With the cold weather persisting, several homeless individuals sought refuge in night shelters. Officials from the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) reported that 235 pagoda tents have been set up across the city to provide temporary housing for those in need.

Fog and Rainfall Forecast
Roy also highlighted the likelihood of fog in northwest India, with eastern Uttar Pradesh expected to experience dense fog on December 16 and 17. Foggy conditions are likely to persist in other parts of northwest India as well.

Meanwhile, heavy rainfall is predicted for southern Kerala and southern Tamil Nadu, with rainfall levels estimated between 12-20 cm. Northeast India is also facing foggy conditions.