New Delhi, Jan. 5 -- The Capital's brief reprieve from polluted air ended on Sunday, as air quality slid back to the "very poor" category, just two days after strong surface winds had led to a sharp improvement in pollution levels, official data showed. Forecasts indicate that air quality in Delhi is likely to remain in the "very poor" category for the next several days.

The air quality index (AQI) stood at 298 (poor) at 8am and worsened to 300 (poor) by 11am. The 24-hour average AQI was recorded at 307 (very poor) at 4pm, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board's daily national bulletin.The AQI further deteriorated to 310 by 7pm and was logged at 304 by 10pm.

This reversal came two days after strong surface winds of ...