Updated: Nov 04, 2025, 10:32 AM IST
Delhi’s air quality continued to deteriorate on Tuesday, remaining in the “very poor” category for the fourth consecutive day, with meteorologists warning that conditions are likely to worsen over the coming days. The 24-hour rolling average Air Quality Index (AQI) at 9 am stood at 311, slightly higher than Monday’s 4 pm reading of 309, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Experts attribute the persistence of heavy pollution levels to a combination of calm winds caused by a western disturbance and increased moisture in the atmosphere, which is expected to trap pollutants near the ground, leading to a haze over the city.
Severe Pollution at Key Stations
Among the 38 active monitoring stations in Delhi, at least four recorded “severe” AQI levels on Tuesday morning. These included:
- Alipur: 421
- Anand Vihar: 412
- Bawana: 402
- Wazirpur: 407
At the same time, several other stations reported moderate pollution, such as IGI Airport (193), Lodhi Road (153), and Aurobindo Marg (146). The CPCB classifies air quality levels as follows: 0–50 (good), 51–100 (satisfactory), 101–200 (moderate), 201–300 (poor), 301–400 (very poor), and above 400 as “severe.” While Delhi has not experienced a “severe” air day since December 23, 2024, when the AQI hit 406, early Tuesday readings indicate that certain areas have already crossed this threshold.
Meteorological Factors Behind Pollution
Weather conditions have played a key role in exacerbating pollution. According to the Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi, managed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, wind speeds are expected to drop sharply on Tuesday and remain almost calm on Wednesday.
Private forecaster Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet Weather, explained that winds picked up briefly over the weekend, reaching 10 km/h on Sunday and 15 km/h on Monday. However, the current western disturbance will again reduce wind speeds, allowing pollutants to accumulate near the ground. “This, combined with moisture in the air, will lead to haze and a spike in pollution levels,” he noted.
Meteorologist Navdeep Dahiya added that the disturbance may bring moderate rains and thundershowers to parts of Punjab and Haryana late Tuesday into Wednesday, but rainfall in Delhi, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh is expected to be minimal. Strong northwesterly winds are predicted to return from November 6, which could help improve air quality as the night-time temperature drops by 3–4°C.
Temperature and Seasonal Patterns
Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 31.5°C on Monday, slightly above normal, and a minimum of 16.5°C, slightly below normal. On Tuesday and Wednesday, temperatures are expected to rise slightly to 28–30°C due to overcast skies, before dipping again from Thursday as cold northwesterly winds return. Night-time temperatures are forecast to fall below 15°C, which, while cooler, may also facilitate the trapping of pollutants in the absence of strong winds.
The combination of low wind speeds, lingering moisture, and cooler nights creates a perfect environment for smog formation, a recurring pattern in Delhi during early November.
Role of Stubble Burning
While local pollution is a major contributor to Delhi’s air quality, the transport of stubble smoke from Punjab and Haryana also plays a role, especially with northwesterly winds. According to the Decision Support System (DSS), which estimates the contribution of various pollution sources to Delhi’s PM2.5 levels, stubble burning accounted for only 3.5% of pollution on Sunday, down from a seasonal high of 9% on Saturday. Historically, the first week of November sees this contribution spike to as high as 35%.
This indicates that while stubble smoke is a factor, local emissions from traffic, industries, and domestic sourcesremain the dominant cause of the current “very poor” air quality.
Data Gaps and Monitoring Challenges
The CPCB’s Sameer app highlighted some inconsistencies in data reporting. For instance, at ITO—a busy traffic intersection—the AQI was reported at just 188 at 9 pm on Monday. Closer inspection revealed that the station had several hours of missing data before noon, causing the average AQI at 8 am to appear artificially low at 80 (satisfactory).
Such anomalies underscore the complexity of monitoring air quality in real time, particularly in a megacity like Delhi with highly variable emissions and rapidly changing meteorological conditions.
Public Health Implications
With the AQI remaining in the “very poor” category, experts warn that prolonged exposure to the polluted air can lead to respiratory problems, eye irritation, and cardiovascular stress, especially among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions. Residents are advised to:
- Limit outdoor activities, particularly in the morning and evening
- Use air purifiers indoors if available
- Wear N95 masks when venturing outside
- Keep windows and doors closed during peak pollution hours
The government and environmental authorities continue to monitor pollution levels, issue alerts, and enforce temporary measures like restrictions on construction dust, vehicular emissions, and open burning, aiming to mitigate the worst impacts of the current smog episode.
Outlook for the Coming Week
According to the EWS, Delhi’s AQI is expected to remain “very poor” from Tuesday through Thursday, with only a gradual improvement likely after November 6 when northwesterly winds pick up. Residents should brace for continued hazy conditions, poor visibility, and potential health hazards in the meantime.
While occasional rainfall could temporarily reduce pollutant levels, experts caution that wind speed and direction will ultimately determine whether Delhi can experience a brief respite or endure several more days of hazardous air quality.
This continued period of “very poor” air highlights the seasonal challenge of combating pollution in Delhi, combining meteorological factors, local emissions, and agricultural stubble burning. Authorities and residents alike are urged to remain vigilant as the city navigates yet another difficult stretch of the winter pollution season.
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