A dense, choking haze returned to Delhi on Thursday morning, keeping the national capital trapped in toxic air for the fourth consecutive day. The city’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 328 around 8 a.m., only slightly better than Wednesday’s 353, both falling in the ‘very poor’ category, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.
The pollution spike, which followed Diwali, has once again turned Delhi’s skies grey, prompting health warnings across the city.
Wind too weak to clear the air
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light winds recorded at 5–7 km/hr have done little to disperse pollutants. “Wind speeds drop at intervals, trapping emissions close to the surface. Similar conditions are expected till the weekend,” said an IMD official. A western disturbance may pass over Delhi on October 27, but officials don’t expect rain strong enough to wash away the pollutants.
The impact of stubble burning continues to remain low. Data from the Centre’s Decision Support System (DSS) shows its contribution to PM2.5 levels at just 1.6% on Wednesday. Experts say the current pollution is largely caused by vehicle emissions, construction dust, and industrial smoke, all intensified by cool, stagnant air.
Out of 38 active air quality stations in Delhi, Anand Vihar breached the ‘severe’ category at 429, while 30 others recorded ‘very poor’ levels. Areas such as Jahangirpuri, RK Puram, and Vivek Vihar also reported dangerous PM2.5 concentrations.
What is the forecast?
The Early Warning System for Delhi predicts that the city’s air quality will continue in the ‘very poor’ range till at least Saturday. From Sunday, it may fluctuate between ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ as wind direction turns easterly.
On the weather front, the minimum temperature dipped to 18.1°C, three degrees below normal, while the maximum was 32.1°C. Both are expected to remain steady till the weekend as Delhi continues to struggle for a breath of clean air.
