📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Fredericknoronha
Weather
Delhi's Air Quality Plummets to 'Very Poor' Ahead of Diwali, AQI Hits 369
✍️ Amar Ujala · Delhi
🗓 07 Nov 2026, 08:31 PM
👁 17
On the eve of Diwali, Delhi recorded an AQI of 369, placing the capital in the 'very poor' category, with forecasts warning of a shift to the 'severe' range on Sunday.
Delhi's air quality deteriorated sharply on Saturday, the day before Diwali, when the Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to 369, classifying the capital's atmosphere as 'very poor' according to national standards. The city was shrouded in a dense haze that reduced visibility across major thoroughfares and prompted health advisories from local authorities.
The spike in pollutants was reported by Amar Ujala, which noted that the AQI reading placed Delhi in the highest danger bracket for respiratory health. Residents were urged to limit outdoor activities, especially those with pre‑existing conditions such as asthma or heart disease.
Meteorological forecasts for Sunday predict a further escalation, moving the AQI into the 'severe' category. Officials are monitoring the situation closely and may consider additional measures, such as restricting vehicular movement or suspending construction work, to curb emissions ahead of the festive celebrations.
The worsening air quality comes at a time when Delhi traditionally experiences a rise in particulate matter due to firecracker usage and increased traffic. Authorities have warned that the combined effect could exacerbate health risks for the city's population.
The situation underscores the ongoing challenge of managing air pollution in India's capital, especially during high‑visibility events like Diwali, where both cultural practices and seasonal weather patterns converge to strain the environment.
The spike in pollutants was reported by Amar Ujala, which noted that the AQI reading placed Delhi in the highest danger bracket for respiratory health. Residents were urged to limit outdoor activities, especially those with pre‑existing conditions such as asthma or heart disease.
Meteorological forecasts for Sunday predict a further escalation, moving the AQI into the 'severe' category. Officials are monitoring the situation closely and may consider additional measures, such as restricting vehicular movement or suspending construction work, to curb emissions ahead of the festive celebrations.
The worsening air quality comes at a time when Delhi traditionally experiences a rise in particulate matter due to firecracker usage and increased traffic. Authorities have warned that the combined effect could exacerbate health risks for the city's population.
The situation underscores the ongoing challenge of managing air pollution in India's capital, especially during high‑visibility events like Diwali, where both cultural practices and seasonal weather patterns converge to strain the environment.