Delhi is battling hazardous air pollution for the third consecutive day, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the “severe” category, even as the city experienced a slight rise in minimum temperatures. On Monday, January 19, 2026, the Early Warning System for Delhi indicated that the AQI could further deteriorate, touching the “very poor” category and dipping below 400 in the latter half of the day, raising concerns about the health and well-being of the city’s residents.

According to official reports, the 24-hour average AQI at 8 a.m. on Monday stood at 418, showing a minor improvement from Sunday’s reading of 440, which had been the joint worst for January in the latter half of the month. On January 17, 2019, Delhi had recorded an AQI of 440, a historical benchmark for severe air pollution in the capital during winter. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data indicated that of the 39 active ambient air quality monitoring stations in Delhi, 25 were in the “severe” category at 8 a.m. Wazirpur recorded an AQI of 473 and Vivek Vihar 472, while Anand Vihar had peaked at 497 on Sunday, just three points shy of the maximum possible AQI of 500, which marks the threshold of extreme pollution.

The persistent smog that has enveloped the city for the past three days has combined with a moderate rise in temperature. The minimum temperature on Monday reached 7.7°C, an increase from 5.3°C the previous day, bringing it closer to seasonal norms. Forecasts suggest that the mercury could rise further to 24–26°C by Monday afternoon, with maximum temperatures staying above 20°C for the rest of the week. As a result, Delhi is expected to experience no “cold day” conditions at least until Saturday, according to meteorological predictions.

The deteriorating air quality has prompted authorities to maintain strict pollution control measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas imposed Stage 4 of the GRAP curbs on Saturday, after the AQI inched past the 400 mark for the first time this year. Stage 4 measures are among the most stringent in the GRAP framework, restricting construction activities, reducing industrial emissions, and limiting vehicular movement in certain cases.

Experts say that winter weather conditions, combined with vehicular emissions and industrial pollution, are primarily responsible for Delhi’s severe air quality. Temperature inversions during winter trap pollutants near the ground, reducing ventilation and allowing smog to accumulate over the city. The impact of firecrackers, crop residue burning in neighboring states, and emissions from diesel generators continues to exacerbate the crisis, despite strict regulatory measures.

Private forecasters predict that a temporary reprieve may arrive in the form of an active western disturbance expected to bring rain to the Delhi-NCR region on Wednesday and Thursday. Mahesh Palawat, vice president of Skymet Weather, indicated that “some pockets of the region may even record moderate showers,” which could help wash away particulate matter and improve air quality temporarily. This rainfall is anticipated to lower minimum temperatures slightly, though it is unlikely to bring relief from smog immediately, as particulate matter often lingers after precipitation, especially in areas with high industrial activity.

Palawat also highlighted that another western disturbance is expected around January 26, which may result in a more noticeable dip in temperatures. He added that by the end of the month, the minimum temperature in Delhi could fall to around 4–5°C. According to him, “The worst of the winter is over,” suggesting that while Delhi will continue to experience cold weather intermittently, the extreme cold snap observed last week—with a minimum temperature of 3°C, the lowest in three years—is unlikely to repeat.

While the city has been experiencing higher minimum temperatures recently, the persistent “severe” air quality poses a significant health risk, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiac conditions. Health experts have warned residents to minimize outdoor activities, avoid strenuous exercise outside, and use N95 masks when stepping out. Schools in certain areas with the worst pollution readings have been advised to restrict outdoor activities for children.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the CPCB continue to monitor air quality levels, issuing real-time advisories and alerts through digital platforms and public messaging systems. Authorities have also been emphasizing the importance of using public transport, reducing private vehicle usage, and curbing the burning of waste and biomass. Despite these measures, enforcement remains challenging, particularly in densely populated areas where vehicular and industrial emissions continue to rise.

Several NGOs and environmental activists have criticized both central and state authorities for not implementing long-term measures to reduce pollution effectively. While temporary measures such as restricting construction, deploying sprinklers, and banning fireworks during festivals provide short-term relief, experts argue that a sustained reduction in vehicular emissions, industrial discharge, and crop residue burning in neighboring states is critical to improving Delhi’s air quality.

The situation is further complicated by meteorological conditions. The current moderate fog has reduced visibility, affecting transport and daily commuting in the city. Delhi Police have issued advisories for drivers to exercise caution on foggy roads, and traffic management agencies are on alert for potential accidents caused by low visibility.

Adding to the complexity, the Early Warning System for Delhi predicts that the AQI could move into the “very poor” category later on Monday, which corresponds to an AQI range of 401–500. Prolonged exposure to such levels is extremely hazardous and can cause serious respiratory illnesses, irritation of the eyes and throat, and exacerbate chronic health conditions. Residents have been urged to stay indoors as much as possible and to keep windows closed to minimize exposure.

Authorities are keeping a close watch on both weather patterns and pollutant levels to coordinate timely intervention. The combination of rising temperatures, moderate fog, and high levels of particulate matter makes it crucial to balance meteorological developments with public safety measures. With the western disturbances predicted to bring rain and a slight dip in temperatures, authorities hope for partial alleviation of the current smog crisis, though sustained improvement will require continued policy enforcement and public cooperation.

The current air quality scenario highlights the persistent challenges that Delhi faces in winter months, especially from December to February, when cold weather, low wind speeds, and high pollution sources converge to create a hazardous environment. Experts point out that unless Delhi implements long-term mitigation strategies, including promotion of electric vehicles, stricter industrial emission norms, enhanced public transport infrastructure, and region-wide crop residue management, such severe pollution episodes will continue to recur annually.

In summary, Delhi’s residents face a continuation of “severe” air quality conditions for at least the next few days, compounded by moderate fog and rising temperatures. While forecasts suggest that rain from upcoming western disturbances may temporarily alleviate the crisis, the health risks remain significant, and the city is bracing for continued monitoring and remedial measures. With the AQI expected to touch the “very poor” category and dip below 400 later in the day, vigilance, public awareness, and adherence to safety advisories remain critical for protecting the health of citizens.