Delhi’s air quality has shown a slight improvement after slipping into the severe category on December 15.

Light and variable winds from the east and southeast between December 13 and 14 raised humidity levels, creating ideal conditions for dense fog and trapping pollutants near the surface.

This led to heavy smog and poor visibility across the region.

Conditions began to ease on December 16 as winds strengthened and shifted to the west and southwest, helping disperse pollutants.

On December 17, Delhi’s AQI fell to 328 (very poor) from 498 (severe) a day earlier.

Forecasts indicate moderate winds over the next few days may offer limited relief, though air quality is expected to stay mostly in the very poor range.