India, Nov. 6 -- Delhi's air quality edged closer to the 'severe' category on Friday, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 400 in the 'very poor' category amid rising pollution and a layer of smog that reduced visibility. Air quality in the national capital is predicted to turn 'severe' from Saturday, with Diwali celebrations, vehicular emissions and the peak stubble-burning season expected to add to the pollution burden. Unfavourable meteorological conditions are further aggravating the situation.

Of the 58 air quality monitoring stations that recorded data on Friday, 26 recorded AQI in the 'severe' category, 31 in the 'very poor' category and only one, Lodhi Road, recorded 'poor' air quality. The city's average AQI dete...