A blanket of haze shrouded the National Capital on Thursday, with people complaining of eye irritation and cough, as air quality stood close to the “severe” level. Experts blamed meteorological conditions that trap pollutants near the surface for the rise in the pollution level.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the haze is expected to persist during early morning and late evening hours through the week, as particulate matter continues to accumulate near ground level.

Delhi, which has been witnessing a fall in air quality since Diwali, recorded ‘very poor’ air quality with an AQI of 373, a sharp rise from 279 a day earlier. Smog significantly reduced visibility, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recording PM 2.5 levels at 184.4 and PM 10 at 301.9.

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