New Delhi, India | December 25, 2025
Slow wind speeds and unfavorable weather conditions have once again turned Delhi into a virtual gas chamber, with air quality slipping into the severe category on Wednesday morning, according to official monitoring data.
The day began with a thick layer of fog and haze, accompanied by visible smog across large parts of the capital. As per the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 355 in the morning hours, placing it in the “very poor” to “severe” range. The air quality had already deteriorated into the severe category on Tuesday and showed no signs of improvement.
Why Is Delhi’s Air Quality Getting Worse?
Experts attribute the prolonged pollution episode primarily to unfavorable meteorological conditions. According to Mahesh Palawat, Vice President at Skymet, falling temperatures have significantly worsened pollution levels.
He explained that the presence of a western disturbance has prevented the cold air trapped near the surface from rising, creating a lid-like effect over the city. This phenomenon causes pollutants such as vehicular emissions, construction dust, and industrial particles to accumulate close to the ground.
“When there is no rainfall and wind speeds remain low, pollutants have no way to disperse,” experts noted, adding that the trapped pollution continues to build up, worsening air quality multiple times over.
Understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI)
The Air Quality Index is a standardized measure used to indicate how polluted the air currently is and its potential health impact:
0–50: Good
51–100: Satisfactory
101–200: Moderate
201–300: Poor
301–400: Very Poor
401–500: Severe
When AQI enters the severe category, it poses serious health risks, especially to children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or heart conditions. Prolonged exposure can aggravate asthma, bronchitis, and cardiovascular diseases and may prove life-threatening for individuals with pre-existing illnesses.
Health Advisory in Place
Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities, use protective masks, and follow health advisories until weather conditions improve and pollution levels ease.
