India, Nov. 24 -- Delhi's air quality continued to deteriorate, inching closer to the "severe" zone on Monday morning, as low wind speeds and dipping temperatures trapped pollutants close to the surface. A 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 396 was recorded at 7am, compared to 391 at 4pm on Sunday and 370 on Saturday, data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed.

A thick haze of smoke and moisture kept visibility low, prompting health concerns as pollutant concentrations climbed steadily. The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) forecast indicated the situation is unlikely to improve in the short term.

"Delhi's air quality is likely to be in the 'very poor' category from Monday to Wednesday. The outlook for the ...