Delhi-NCR Sees Slight Improvement In Air Quality; AQI Remains In ‘Very Poor’ Category

The National Capital Region (NCR) experienced a slight easing of pollution on Wednesday, as air quality improved to the ‘very poor’ category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) registering at 349, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

While dense smog that had blanketed the region over the past days began to disperse, several monitoring stations in Delhi still recorded AQI levels approaching the severe zone.

As per early morning readings at 6:58 AM, Noida emerged as the second most polluted city in the country, recording an AQI of 355.

Greater Noida followed with 344, while Gurugram and Ghaziabad reported 316 and 309, respectively. All four cities remain within the ‘very poor’ bracket.

Weather Patterns and Forecast

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a maximum temperature of 23.2°C in Delhi on Wednesday, 2.5°C above the seasonal average, and a minimum of 8.8°C, which is 1.3°C higher than normal.

The IMD forecast moderate fog during the day, with temperatures expected to range between 9°C and 19°C.

A gradual decline in minimum temperatures by 2–4°C is anticipated across northwest and central India over the next 24 hours. Delhi is likely to see minimum temperatures drop to around 7°C from Thursday onwards.

The marginal improvement follows a day when Delhi remained under a thick grey haze, with a 24-hour average AQI of 412, categorised as severe.

This marked a sharp deterioration from 373 the previous day. Out of 40 active monitoring stations in the capital, five- Nehru Nagar (465), Mundka (457), Chandni Chowk (453), Okhla (452), and Jahangirpuri- reported severe-plus levels above 450.

Twenty-six stations continued to remain in the severe category, while the rest recorded very poor air quality, according to data from CPCB’s SAMEER application.

On Tuesday, Delhi recorded the second-worst air quality nationwide with an AQI of 412, trailing neighbouring Noida, which topped the list at 426.

Also Read: Dense Fog Shrouds Delhi-NCR; Air Quality Remains ‘Very Poor’