Parts of Delhi-NCR experienced light rain on Monday morning, but the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the 'severe' category, registering a reading of 402 at 8 am. The light rain is expected to cause further drops in temperature, but air quality shows no signs of improvement.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast a cloudy sky with light rain, and temperatures were expected to range between a maximum of 20°C and a minimum of 8°C. On Sunday, the city's maximum temperature reached 24.1°C, three degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature was 7.3°C, within the normal range.

The IMD has predicted rain from December 26 to 28, driven by a western disturbance and a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, which is likely to enhance the chill in the region.

Meanwhile, the AQI returned to the 'severe' category on Sunday afternoon, hitting 406 after briefly improving to 'very poor.' The pollution levels have worsened due to low wind speeds and colder temperatures, which prevent the dispersion of pollutants. The current pollution cycle began on December 16 when the AQI first reached 'severe.'

While the first half of December saw temporary improvements with six days of 'moderate' air quality, the overall air quality in November was classified as 'poor.' Delhi remains under Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the strictest anti-pollution measures, which include a ban on construction activities and non-essential polluting trucks.

GRAP categorizes air quality into four stages: Stage I (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage II (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage III (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage IV (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).Delhi-NCR Receives Light Rain,