New Delhi: Delhi-NCR experienced a gradual rise in temperatures on Saturday as residents woke up to bright sunshine, even as the region’s air quality remained in the ‘poor’ category.

Daytime temperatures in the national Capital are steadily climbing under clear and sunny skies. On Friday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature 1.5°C above the seasonal average, signalling a slow transition in weather patterns, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD predicts similar weather conditions on Saturday, with wind speeds expected between 15 and 25 km/h. Maximum temperatures are likely to range from 23–25°C, while minimum temperatures could hover between 9–11°C. Morning haze is expected to gradually dissipate, giving way to bright sunshine.

Despite the pleasant weather, air pollution levels remain a concern. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi stood at 260, categorised as ‘poor’. Specific readings included Anand Vihar at 260, Chandni Chowk at 232, Dwarka Sector-8 at 243, and Okhla Phase-2 at 228, highlighting deteriorating air quality across the city.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government has constituted a task force to draft legislation for a Delhi Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (DUMTA) and a dedicated Delhi Urban Transport Fund (DUTF). The initiative aims to streamline, integrate, and coordinate Delhi’s fragmented transport network, promoting a modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable urban mobility system.

The proposed reforms are expected to advance the government’s vision of building a people-centric and climate-friendly transport infrastructure for the national Capital.

IANS