LUCKNOW, Oct. 22 -- The city's air quality recorded a steady dip over the past three days, moving from 'Satisfactory' to 'Moderate' category as winter begins to set in, with fine particulate matter PM2.5 emerging as the main concern. According to official data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), on Monday, the city's Air Quality Index stood at 98, which falls in the Satisfactory category, with PM2.5, PM10 and O3 listed as prominent pollutants. The following day, on Tuesday, the AQI climbed to 133, pushing it into the Moderate category with PM2.5 as the prominent pollutant. On Wednesday, the AQI was recorded at 124, remaining in the Moderate category with PM2.5 continuing to dominate. CSIR-IITR director Bhaskar Narayan said PM 2.5 is particularly concerning as it can enter the bloodstream and affect health. Commenting on the situation, senior Met scientist at Lucknow Meteorological Centre, Mohammad Danish, said the weather is clear at present and no large change is expected in the coming days. "During winter, winds get weaker, which hampers the dispersion of pollutants near the surface. As a result, particulate matter remains accumulated in the lower atmosphere and air quality gets worse. This condition is likely to continue," said Danish. Experts say that with the onset of winter, the city typically witnesses a gradual deterioration in air quality due to low wind speed and increased local emissions. They also said that residents are advised to take precautions, especially during morning and evening when pollution levels are higher....