The air quality in Delhi has reached alarming levels, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to 409 on Sunday.

While the AQI remains hazardous in the national capital, it showed slight improvement from 434 recorded on December 21. The prominent pollutant, once again, is PM2.5, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said.

The minimum temperature, according to the India Meteorological Department, was recorded at 8 degrees Celsius on Sunday.

Parts of the city were covered by a dense layer of smog, reducing visibility and enforcing the strict implementation of GRAP Stage IV measures.