Delhi AQI rises to highest level in nearly three months as dry weather persists

Delhi's air quality deteriorated to its worst level in nearly three months on Sunday, driven by a combination of calm winds, rising seasonal emissions, and a prolonged dry spell.

Depending on the monitoring agency and the time of day, the city's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded between 187 and 196. This marks the highest pollution level the capital has seen since 13 July, when the AQI reached 246.

While the citywide average remained within the "moderate" band—which covers readings between 101 and 200—individual neighbourhoods are already breathing much dirtier air. Data from local monitoring stations showed a sharp rise in particulate matter, with several areas crossing into the "poor" category.

Localised pollution spikes

The severity of the pollution varied across the city. According to the Sameer app, at least 16 monitoring stations registered "poor" air quality, while Central Pollution Control Board data from other active stations pushed that figure to 22.

Mundka recorded the cleanest air's polar opposite, registering the city's highest AQI at 282. Other heavily polluted areas included Narela at 262, Jahangirpuri at 248, and Okhla at 232. In contrast, Burari was the only monitoring station to record "satisfactory" air quality, while the Delhi Cantonment area recorded the city's lowest overall AQI at 115.

Unseasonable October heat

Atmospheric conditions are actively compounding the pollution. Delhi is currently experiencing above-normal temperatures as a wave of "October heat" settles over northern India.

On Sunday, the Safdarjung weather station recorded a maximum temperature of 36.4 degrees Celsius, which is more than two degrees above the seasonal average. The minimum temperature hovered around 24.1 degrees Celsius, nearly two degrees warmer than normal for this time of year.

Amateur meteorologist Navdeep Dahiya warned that maximum temperatures could spike further, potentially reaching between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius across parts of Delhi, the National Capital Region, and western Uttar Pradesh over the coming days.

No rain in sight

Relief from the smog is unlikely to arrive quickly. The India Meteorological Department has forecast clear skies on Monday and partly cloudy conditions from Tuesday, but expects absolutely "no rain" across the city for the next week.

Without rain to wash pollutants from the air, emissions are expected to accumulate. Beyond local vehicular and industrial pollution, regional factors are also beginning to play a role. The Indian Agricultural Research Institute reported 203 stubble-burning incidents across Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh between 15 September and 3 October, marking the early stages of the annual post-harvest fires.

Dahiya noted that a series of mild western disturbances are expected to begin around 7 October, but a stronger system after 10 October offers the first real chance of rain in the plains and temperature drops across northern India.