New Delhi, Jan. 23 -- Delhi's AQI recorded marked improvement on Friday as the air quality improved to 'satisfactory' levels at IGI, Pusa, Lodhi Road and Mandir Marg following first rain of the year. The AQI returned to '201-300' range after 10 days of toxic air.

The heavy rainfall on 23 January morning ended the prolonged dry spell. Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded a reading of 285 at 11:00 AM. Out of 39 monitoring stations, 21 reported 'poor' AQI, 4 registered 'moderate' air quality and the rest 4 recorded 'satisfactory' levels. The change in weather came as a result of "intense western disturbance", the India Meteorological Department said.

The weather office issued a nowcast orange alert for heavy rains valid till 1:...