Delhi’s air quality continues to deteriorate, with the city’s average 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI) reading at a hazardous 429 on Friday, placing it in the ‘severe’ category. This condition poses serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions.
According to reports, 14 of the city’s 36 air quality monitoring stations recorded AQI levels exceeding 450, which are classified as ‘severe plus’—indicating life-threatening conditions. The remaining stations showed AQI readings between 401-450, also within the ‘severe’ range. The primary pollutant contributing to the toxic air is PM2.5, a fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, exacerbating health problems.
The weather in Delhi on Friday saw a maximum temperature of 23°C, warmer than usual for this time of year, with high humidity levels ranging between 70-95%. These elevated humidity levels intensify the effects of the pollution, making it even harder for residents to breathe.
The ongoing poor air quality is largely due to low wind speeds and inadequate ventilation, which are common during the winter months. The city’s air quality currently falls under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which urges people to avoid outdoor activities.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also forecast dense fog over the weekend, which could worsen visibility and further aggravate the hazardous air quality. However, the IMD has predicted light to moderate rainfall starting from December 26, which is expected to provide some temporary relief.
 reading at a hazardous 429 on Friday, placing it in the ‘severe’ category.){kind=link}