India, Dec. 13 -- A layer of thick smog surrounded Delhi on Saturday morning as the air quality remained at 390 at 7 am, falling in the 'very poor' category, and inching very close to the 'severe' mark.

The 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) at 4 pm on Friday stood in the 'very poor' category at 349, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

While the overall AQI in Delhi remained in the 'very poor' category, it breached the 'severe' mark in major areas of the national capital with readings over 400 at 8 am on Saturday.

According to CPCB data, Wazirpur recorded an AQI at 445, Jahangirpuri at 442, Vivek Vihar at 442 and Rohini at 436.

Experts further suggested that pollution levels in the city are expected to dip an...