Air quality index in Hà Nội and some northern provinces throughout Monday showsair quality at a bad level. — Photo dantri.com.vn

The air quality index (AQI) taken from 90 different air monitoring stations in Hà Nội and some northern provinces throughout Monday showed air quality at bad levels.

According to the General Department of Environment’s air monitoring station, the AQI recorded at Nguyễn Văn Cừ Street of Hà Nội’s Long Biên District, hit 186 at 7am, meaning red level which is unhealthy.

Independent air quality tracker AirVisual reported a higher index in some areas in Hà Nội at 198 early on Monday.

At other stations in Nam Định, Thái Bình, Vĩnh Phúc, Bắc Giang, Ninh Bình, Hưng Yên, Thái Nguyên and Yên Bái, the air quality was poor and unhealthy. The index was between 152-196, according to PAMAir.

The highest AQI was recorded in some areas in Thái Bình Province, with 195-196.

Especially, at three stations in Hưng Yên, Nam Định and Bắc Ninh provinces, the AQI reached the purple level (very unhealthy) at 205 and 238.

The air quality in the north is usually worst in the middle of winter, according to the General Department of Environment.

Air quality is forecast to remain at unhealthy levels, especially in the early morning. Citizens are recommended not to open windows or exercise outdoors at this time of day, and wear face masks when going out. — VNS