Delhi faced another day of severe pollution and cold weather, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 372, categorized as “very poor.” The Central Pollution Control Board’s data highlighted the city’s high pollution levels.
The situation worsened due to cold and foggy conditions, hindering the dispersion of pollutants. This led to fine particulate matter lingering in the air for extended periods.
Monitoring stations in Delhi reported alarming AQI readings, with Anand Vihar at 418, Wazirpur at 414, and Rohini at 413.
Several other areas in the National Capital Region also struggled with poor air quality. Noida recorded an AQI of 364, Ghaziabad at 338, and Greater Noida at 336, all falling under the “very poor” category.
The India Meteorological Department forecasted a cloudy sky with the possibility of light rain in isolated places. Residents were cautioned about moderate to dense fog during the morning hours and cold day conditions in some areas.
Wednesday marked Delhi’s coldest day since 2019, with a maximum temperature of 14.2 degrees Celsius, significantly below the seasonal average.
A recent analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) revealed that Delhi remained the most polluted city in the NCR in 2025. While PM2.5 levels showed a slight decline, pollution during the critical October to December period increased compared to 2024.
PM2.5 levels in Delhi exceeded the prescribed annual standard by nearly double at all monitoring stations. Comprehensive air quality monitoring gaps were highlighted across the NCR’s 29 cities.
