India, Feb. 26 -- The highest minimum temperature this year-15.4degC- was recorded in Delhi on Wednesday even as the mercury was expected to go up to 28-30degC and air quality remained in the "poor" category. The minimum temperature was three degrees above normal. It was 11.7degC on Tuesday.

An Air Quality Index of 218 (poor) was recorded at 9am on Wednesday. It deteriorated to the "poor" zone (208) on Tuesday after moderate air quality for six days. On Monday, the relatively clean air spell promoted the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region to lift stage 2 measures of the Graded Response Action Plan to check pollution.

The India Meteorological Department said winds have slowed down due to a western distur...