Delhi's Air Quality Deteriorates: What You Need to Know About the Toxic Levels

Delhi is currently grappling with severe air pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching alarming levels. The city has been categorized as having 'very poor' air quality for several weeks, with transportation being the primary contributor to pollution. Recent data shows fluctuating AQI levels, with significant contributions from neighboring districts. The weather forecast indicates continued challenges, with temperatures slightly below normal. This article delves into the current state of air quality in Delhi, its implications for residents, and what to expect in the coming days.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 7, 2025, 19:44 IST

Severe Air Pollution Continues in Delhi

New Delhi: The air quality in Delhi has reached alarming levels, categorized as "very poor" on Sunday, continuing a troubling trend of hazardous air that has affected residents for weeks. The city recorded a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 308.

According to the CPCB's Sameer App, 29 monitoring stations reported "very poor" air quality by Sunday evening, with Bawana experiencing the worst conditions at an AQI of 336.

At 10 am, the app indicated an AQI of 302, with 26 stations across the city also falling into the "very poor" category.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) defines AQI levels as follows: 0-50 is "good", 51-100 is "satisfactory", 101-200 is "moderate", 201-300 is "poor", 301-400 is "very poor", and 401-500 is "severe".

The Decision Support System for Delhi's Air Quality Management attributes the highest local pollution source to transportation, contributing 16.5%, followed by industries in Delhi and surrounding areas at 8.1%, construction at 2.3%, and residential emissions at 4%.

In the neighboring NCR districts, Jhajjar contributed 12.9%, Rohtak 5.4%, Sonipat 6%, and Jind 2.5% to the pollution affecting Delhi.

Delhi's air quality has fluctuated between "poor" and "very poor" since last week, with AQI readings of 279 on November 30, 304 on December 1, 372 on December 2, 342 on December 3, 304 on December 4, 327 on December 5, and 330 on December 6.

The India Meteorological Department reported that the maximum temperature in the capital was 24.7 degrees Celsius, slightly below normal, while the minimum temperature dropped to eight degrees, which is 1.6 degrees below the average.

Evening relative humidity was recorded at 71%, while morning levels reached 92%.

Looking ahead to Monday, the weather forecast predicts a minimum temperature of 10 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 25 degrees Celsius, with some mist expected throughout the day.