Delhi Air Quality Dips Closer To ‘Very Poor’ As AQI Hits 285

New Delhi’s air quality remained in the poor category for a third consecutive day on Thursday, but data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed the city’s overall AQI slipped to 285, edging closer to the 301 mark that signals a transition into the very poor range.

At 7 AM, ten monitoring stations across Delhi already recorded AQI levels above 300. Anand Vihar logged 300, Ashok Vihar 328, Chandni Chowk 305, and ITO 309, indicating pockets of severe pollution.

In the National Capital Region, Noida recorded an overall AQI of 294, with sector-wise readings between 246 and 331. Greater Noida’s Knowledge Parks 3 and 5 reported AQIs of 235 and 331, respectively.

Wednesday’s 24-hour average AQI stood at 259, slightly better than Tuesday’s 282. After nine days of air quality in the very poor zone, Delhi experienced temporary relief on Tuesday, aided by stronger daytime winds on Wednesday that helped keep pollution levels within the poor category.

According to CPCB classifications, AQI readings are categorised as good (0–50), satisfactory (51–100), moderate (101–200), poor (201–300), very poor (301–400), and severe (401–500).

Weather and Temperature Patterns

Alongside pollution concerns, Delhi’s temperatures showed a mild dip. On Wednesday, the minimum temperature hit 10°C, around 0.4°C below the seasonal average, while the maximum settled at 25.2°C, also slightly below normal.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects minimum temperatures across northwest India, including Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Faridabad, to remain steady for the next two days and then rise by 2–4°C over the following three days.

For Thursday, the IMD predicted partly foggy conditions with a minimum near 8°C and a maximum around 24°C, while variable wind patterns may influence local air quality levels.

As winter deepens, Delhi’s residents continue to face fluctuating air quality levels, with certain areas already breaching the very poor threshold. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, as weather conditions and wind patterns remain key factors in managing pollution across the capital.

Also Read: Following Slight Improvement; Delhi Air Quality Continues To Remain Poor Amid Smog