Delhi's air quality gets a break, but 'very poor' air is sticking around
Delhi's air finally caught a small break on Tuesday, with pollution levels dropping from "severe" to just "very poor."
The AQI was 427 on Monday and improved to 341 by Tuesday evening—a relief, but still far from healthy.
Even with clearer skies for now, experts say don't get too comfortable: the city's Air Quality Early Warning System expects things to stay "very poor" until at least December 19 and possibly get worse.
Why does this keep happening?
Every year around late December, Delhi's pollution spikes again thanks to colder weather, fog trapping the bad air, and emissions from vehicles and waste burning.
Data shows the average AQI this month is still an unhealthy 351. Studies also point to stubble burning and tough winter conditions making things worse.
Unless big changes happen soon, experts warn we could see another round of "severe" or even "severe plus" level pollution before the month ends.