New Delhi's air quality has plummeted to alarming levels, with smog significantly reducing visibility and pushing the AQI above 450. Stubble burning, traffic, and industrial emissions are blamed.

Delhi's air quality plunged to 'very poor', with a thick layer of haze blanketing the national capital, early on Tuesday (November 26, 2024). At 9 a.m., Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 392, compared to a reading of 281 at 9 a.m. on Monday (November 25, 2024), according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

The AQI in Delhi has reached 394, placing it in the very poor category. Contributing factors include stagnant winds and low temperatures, leading to a hazardous air quality level that has prompted stricter pollution control measures.

Strong surface winds (at speeds of 15km/hr) that had helped disperse pollutants on Sunday, dropped to near-calm levels of 4-6km/hr by Monday morning, leading to a haze engulfing the city again. Delhi’s 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 285 (“poor”) at 9am on Monday,