New Delhi, Dec. 12 -- After just a two-day breather, Delhi's air quality slid back into the 'very poor' zone on Thursday as stagnant winds once again slowed the dispersion of pollutants, pushing the 24-hour air quality index (AQI) to 305 - up from 259 ('poor') a day earlier, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said two back-to-back feeble western disturbances are also set to affect the region, likely raising minimum temperatures in the coming days.

Air quality forecasts indicate no immediate relief, with the AQI expected to remain 'very poor'. "Delhi's air quality is likely to be in the 'very poor' category from December 11 till December 13. Outlook for the subsequent six day...