New Delhi (NVI): The brief respite for Delhiites from the toxic air in the last few days ended today as the overall air quality in the national capital region again plunged into ‘poor’ category.

The Centre-run Central Pollution Control Board data at 9:00 AM showed that the Air Quality Index (AQI) registered 281, which falls in the ‘poor’ category.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301-400 ‘very poor’ and 401-500 ‘severe’. An AQI above 500 falls in the ‘severe plus’ category.

On Mathura Road also the AQI was recorded at 213. At the city’s major junctions such as Ashok Vihar, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Mundka, the AQI was 291, 277 and 289 respectively.

Slow wind speed plunged the overall air quality in Delhi back into ‘moderate’ category on Saturday, a day after it had improved to ‘satisfactory’ level at 83 for the first time in around two months.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted strong surface winds during the day today in the national capital region with temperature hovering between 9 degrees Celsius to 24 degrees Celsius.

Dense fog has begun to set in parts of north-western India, including Punjab and West Haryana, which may prevent dispersal of pollutants.

The Center-run SAFAR has advised ‘sensitive groups’ to consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion throughout the day.

“Take it easy if symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath occur,” the organisation stated in its advisory.