India, Dec. 25 -- Delhi recorded a second straight day of relatively improved air quality on Thursday, aided by strong surface winds, even as forecasters warned that pollution levels are likely to rise again by evening. The air quality index (AQI) stood at 220, in the 'poor' category, at 9am.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the 24-hour average AQI was recorded at 271 (poor) at 4pm on Wednesday. This marked a sharp improvement from Tuesday, when the average AQI had deteriorated to 412 in the 'severe' category.

However, forecasts issued by the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi (AQEWS) indicated that the improvement may be short-lived, with air quality expected to worsen by Thursday evening.

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