New Delhi, Dec. 26 -- Air pollution levels began to inch back up as the strong winds that brought respite from "severe" AQI the previous day died down on Thursday. The air quality index rose to 249 at 10pm, up from 234 at 4pm, according to Central Pollution Control Board data. It was expected to rise above 300 by Saturday, according to officials. Experts attributed the expected spike in pollution to a western disturbance set to hit the region over the weekend. The India Meteorological Department also issued an orange alert for "dense to very dense fog" and cold wave conditions across northern India, cautioning that the weather will likely disrupt travel through the weekend. It placed New Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Uttar Pradesh...