Delhi’s air quality continued to remain in the very poor category on Monday despite marginal improvements recorded over the weekend. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the national capital experienced a minimum temperature of 17.3 degrees Celsius, which is 0.1 degrees above the season’s average, indicating relatively mild early morning conditions. The maximum temperature is expected to settle around 29 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels measured at 94 percent at 8:30 am, suggesting a moist and hazy atmosphere.
According to the IMD forecast, the city is likely to experience partly cloudy skies throughout the day, with a slight possibility of very light rain or drizzle during the evening hours. While such light showers may offer temporary relief from pollution, they are unlikely to bring any significant improvement in air quality without stronger winds or sustained rainfall.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that pollution levels remained alarmingly high across multiple parts of Delhi. The Sameer app reported that localities such as Bawana and Anand Vihar recorded severe air quality levels with Air Quality Index (AQI) readings of 401 and 431, respectively. Out of the 38 air quality monitoring stations operating across the city, 23 stations reported AQI values above 300, placing them in the very poor range.
On Sunday, Delhi’s air quality had shown brief signs of improvement, slipping from the very poor to the poor category. The AQI had dropped from 324 in the morning to 292 in the evening, suggesting a minor respite. The city also witnessed the season’s lowest temperature of 15.8 degrees Celsius, marking the coldest October reading in the past two years. For comparison, Delhi’s minimum temperature in October 2023 was 15.9 degrees Celsius, while in October 2022, it had been slightly higher at 17.4 degrees Celsius.
Despite these cooler temperatures, pollution levels remain high due to stubble burning in neighbouring states, low wind speeds, and local emissions from vehicular traffic and construction dust. Weather experts note that stagnant air conditions prevent pollutants from dispersing effectively, allowing fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) to accumulate near the surface.
According to CPCB’s classification system, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51–100 satisfactory, 101–200 moderate, 201–300 poor, 301–400 very poor, and 401–500 severe. The current readings across Delhi thus remain at levels harmful to health, particularly for individuals with respiratory or cardiac conditions.
Environmental experts have warned that without decisive action, Delhi’s air quality could deteriorate further as winter approaches. Falling temperatures and weak wind patterns are expected to trap more pollutants in the lower atmosphere, potentially pushing the AQI deeper into the severe zone. Authorities are therefore likely to intensify anti-pollution measures, including restrictions on construction activities, waste burning, and vehicular movement, under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the coming weeks.
