New Delhi: The national capital experienced a modest improvement in air quality on Thursday, December 25, 2025, as the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped to 234, categorizing the air as ‘poor’ instead of the ‘severe’ levels observed earlier in the week. While this offered temporary relief to residents, authorities have cautioned that the situation may worsen in the coming days.

According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an AQI of 234 at 4 pm on Thursday, compared to 271 at the same time a day earlier. The improvement comes after a ‘severe’ AQI reading of 412 on Tuesday afternoon, highlighting a temporary respite in the capital’s struggle with air pollution.

Of the 40 operational air quality monitoring stations across Delhi, 10 reported ‘moderate’ AQI levels below 200, including prominent locations such as Lodhi Road, IIT Delhi, Indira Gandhi International Airport, and Aya Nagar. Meanwhile, 27 stations remained in the ‘poor’ category. Two locations—Jahangirpuri and Bawana—continued to experience very poor air quality, recording AQI readings above 300.

The CPCB categorizes air quality as follows: 0-50 ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301-400 ‘very poor’, and 401-500 ‘severe’.

Major Contributors to Pollution

Data from the Decision Support System (DSS) for Air Quality Management identified vehicular emissions as the largest contributor to Delhi’s pollution, accounting for 18.5% of the total load on Wednesday. Industrial emissions from Delhi and surrounding areas contributed 9.5%, construction activities 2.5%, and waste burning 1.6%.

Among the districts in the National Capital Region (NCR), Jhajjar in Haryana emerged as the highest contributor to Delhi’s air pollution at 17.6%, followed by Rohtak at 5.9% and Sonipat at 3.1%. Transport and industrial emissions from adjoining cities continue to significantly influence Delhi’s air quality.

Meteorological Factors

The Air Quality Early Warning System reported that the predominant surface winds on Thursday were from the northwest, with wind speeds reaching up to 10 kmph in the afternoon. The relatively calm winds contributed to the slower dispersal of pollutants, while seasonal temperature inversions continue to trap smog close to the ground.

On the weather front, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a maximum temperature of 22.6 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, slightly above normal by 1.9 degrees, while the minimum temperature settled at 6.5 degrees Celsius, marginally below normal. Relative humidity ranged from 63% in the morning to 84% by the evening. The IMD forecast a minimum temperature of 8 degrees Celsius for Friday, Christmas Day, along with moderate fog in the city.

Outlook and Advisory

Despite the temporary improvement, air quality experts warn that Delhi is likely to slip back into the ‘very poor’ category over the coming days due to continued vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and stagnant weather conditions typical of the winter season. Residents are advised to take precautions, particularly children, elderly people, and those with respiratory or cardiac conditions.

Authorities continue to monitor air quality closely and have urged citizens to minimize outdoor activities during periods of poor air quality, use masks when venturing outside, and limit the use of private vehicles to reduce emissions.

With the festival season and winter weather contributing to pollution accumulation, experts emphasize the need for proactive measures, including stricter enforcement of emission norms, curbing stubble burning in neighbouring states, and encouraging public transport to maintain long-term air quality improvements.

While Delhians enjoy a brief respite from the extreme smog, the forecast underscores the pressing need for continued vigilance and collective action to address the city’s persistent air pollution challenges.