Cold Wave And Poor Air Quality Grip Delhi-NCR As AQI Crosses 300

Large parts of Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region, including Noida and Greater Noida, endured biting cold conditions on Wednesday, with heavy pollution making early hours especially uncomfortable for people stepping outdoors.

Gusty winds have sharpened the winter chill, while air quality across most localities slipped into the ‘poor’ range, triggering fresh concerns over health risks.

At 7 AM, Delhi’s Air Quality Index stood at 302, with several pockets slipping into the red category and a few areas crossing the 350 mark.

Data from monitoring stations in Noida and Greater Noida reflected similarly troubling conditions.

In Noida, AQI levels were reported at 327 in Sector 116, 312 in Sector 125, 315 in Sector 1 and 274 in Sector 62.

Greater Noida saw AQI readings of 328 at Knowledge Park 5 and 296 at Knowledge Park 3.

On Tuesday afternoon, the city’s AQI was recorded at 310 around 4 PM.

As per figures from the Central Pollution Control Board, 28 monitoring stations showed ‘very poor’ air quality. Nine stations fell in the ‘poor’ category. Only one station recorded ‘moderate’ levels.

The national capital experienced its first officially recorded cold day of the season on Tuesday. Maximum temperatures fell sharply, intensifying the winter feel across the city.

Dense fog disrupted operations at several airports across the country on Wednesday morning, leading to flight delays.

Weather experts further noted that fog tends to trap pollutants near the surface. This extends exposure and aggravates air quality. Disruptions in Delhi-NCR, however, remained limited.

According to the India Meteorological Department, maximum temperatures in the region hovered between 13 degrees Celsius and 16 degrees Celsius.

Authorities have advised residents—particularly children, senior citizens and those with breathing-related ailments—to remain cautious and restrict outdoor movement.

Strong winds and elevated pollution levels are likely to continue. Cold conditions and poor air quality are likely to persist across Delhi-NCR in the near term.