Delhiites Enjoy Chilly Weather But Choke On ‘Poor’ AQI – What Lies Ahead?

Last Updated:October 15, 2025, 10:23 IST

Experts warn that air quality is likely to deteriorate further as winter deepens, driven largely by transport emissions and seasonal factors.

Delhi Air Quality turns 'Poor'(PTI)

Delhi welcomed the first hint of winter this week, offering residents cool mornings and pleasant evenings. However, the city’s air quality has slipped back into the ‘poor’ category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 211 on Tuesday, the first time in nearly three months that pollution levels have reached this threshold. Experts warn that air quality is likely to deteriorate further as winter deepens, driven largely by transport emissions and seasonal factors.

Morning haze returns

On Wednesday morning, Delhi’s AQI remained in the ‘poor’ range at 201 at 5:30 am, with temperatures hovering around 19°C, according to the Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi. Among the city’s hotspots, Anand Vihar once again registered the worst air quality, followed closely by Wazirpur. The wider National Capital Region (NCR) fared worse: Noida’s AQI surged from 228 at 5:00 am to 369 by 7:00 am, Ghaziabad hovered around 320–325, and Faridabad rose from 252 to 267, leaving a visible smog layer blanketing the region.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports clear skies over Delhi this week, bringing a brief respite from the intense heat of recent months. Tuesday saw a maximum temperature of 32.6°C and a minimum of 19°C, both 0.6 degrees below the seasonal average. Mild morning mist or haze is expected to persist, while daytime conditions remain sunny, with temperatures ranging between 19°C and 33°C.

Why the AQI remains poor?

According to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Decision Support System (DSS), the transport sector is the single largest contributor to Delhi’s pollution, responsible for nearly 20 per cent of total emissions. Vehicular exhaust, combined with construction dust and crop residue burning in neighbouring states, has led to a resurgence in air pollution. Experts note that stagnant winds and lower temperatures during winter prevent the dispersal of pollutants, trapping smog near ground level.

AQI and health advisory

The AQI is the central benchmark used to trigger emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Values between 201–300 fall under the ‘poor’ category, while levels above 400 are considered ‘severe’. The AQI measures eight key pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, ozone, ammonia, and lead, against National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Authorities advise residents to take precautions while the AQI remains in the ‘poor’ range, which is expected to continue until at least Friday.

As winter sets in, Delhiites may enjoy cooler temperatures but must brace themselves for the return of polluted skies, with masks, air purifiers, and cautious outdoor activity becoming necessary tools for daily life.

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...Read More

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...

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