Early Thursday morning, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) had reached 352, due to which Delhi faces harsh cold and ‘very poor’ air. A combination of biting cold and still air has allowed pollutants to build up across the city, like PM2.5 and PM10, which can go deep into the lungs and bloodstream, making asthma, bronchitis, and other heart problems worse.

Source: X

AQI Readings Highlight Widespread Pollution

Delhi’s air quality remains in the very poor range, which means that pollution levels pose a risk to everyone’s health, especially to children, the elderly, and people with breathing problems. Several areas have reported high AQI values, including Ashok Vihar at 376, ITO at 380, RK Puram at 383, and Dwarka Sector 8 at 389. Other hotspots, such as Patparganj and Wazirpur, have also recorded readings above 300, meaning that dangerous air conditions continue.

This persistent pollution is happening even though some parts of the region have recently seen rainfall and breezes. Unfortunately, these haven’t been enough to scatter the thick smog, and weather experts say that cold temperatures and weak winds have stopped the atmosphere from mixing properly, trapping particulate matter and other pollutants near the ground.

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Cold Weather Deepens Impact

The cold weather is making the air quality crisis even worse as the lowest temperatures in Delhi have been consistently close to the usual low for this time of year, increasing emissions from heating and slowing down the natural dispersal of pollutants. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather warnings for dense fog and cold wave conditions in the coming days, which are expected to further complicate air pollution and make travel more difficult across the region.

Dense morning fog mixed with smog has greatly reduced visibility on major roads and at transport hubs, and as a result, people who commute have been advised to be careful and allow extra time for travel. Schools and other institutions in the surrounding areas have also experienced interruptions because of poor visibility and hazardous air.

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Outlook and Weather Forecast

Weather experts are saying that the combination of cold temperatures, fog, and light winds may continue for the next few days, keeping pollution levels high. While changes in the weather might bring some temporary relief, it’s unlikely that air quality will improve much without lasting changes in the atmospheric conditions.

In the meantime, city authorities are keeping a close watch on air quality, and if conditions get worse, they may put in place further pollution control steps under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). As the AQI has climbed to 352, Delhi faces harsh cold and ‘very poor’ air quality, reflecting a worrying interaction between weather and pollution that is creating ongoing health and travel difficulties for the people who live in the city.

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