Delhi: After seeming to improve earlier in the week, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated once again on Saturday, with many areas of the nation’s capital falling back into the “very poor” and “severe” pollution classifications.

In the morning, heavy haze covered large parts of the city, making it difficult to see and uncomfortable for locals.

According to data published by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), there were significant regional variations in the quality of the air.

With an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 252, the Dhaula Kuan region was classified as “poor.”

Akshardham and Anand Vihar saw even worse pollution levels; both localities were placed in the “severe” category after the AQI reached 410.

With an AQI of 379, which is in the “very poor” range, the ITO stretch likewise had concerning pollution levels.

The city’s air quality was clearly declining overall. At 4 p.m. on Friday, the 24-hour average AQI was 332, a considerable increase from 234 on Thursday.

The increase in pollution levels was ascribed by meteorologists to calm wind conditions linked to an impending western disturbance.

According to the India Meteorological Department, wind speeds only momentarily increased to around 10 kmph from the southwest later in the day, limiting the dispersal of pollutants during the early morning hours.

Experts in meteorology have warned that a number of western disturbances that are predicted to impact the area might keep pollution levels high in the days ahead.

The meteorological service has issued a yellow notice, warning of moderate to intense fog across Delhi and the surrounding regions, according to the current circumstances.

The capital is predicted to have a low temperature of 6 to 8 degrees Celsius on Saturday and a further drop to 5 to 7 degrees Celsius on Sunday. These forecasts may help explain why haze and poor air quality are still present.