New Delhi | January 12, 2026
Residents of Delhi received mild relief from pollution on Sunday as strong winds helped disperse accumulated smog, improving the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI). However, despite the decline, air quality still remained in the ‘poor’ category, with the city recording an AQI of 291 on Sunday and 293 on Monday morning, according to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi.
The improvement represents a drop of 55 points from Saturday’s AQI levels, but experts caution that pollution is expected to worsen again midweek as wind speeds are likely to decrease.
Pollution Levels Across Delhi Neighborhoods
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows wide variation across city zones, with several areas still in the very poor range:
Alipur: 263
Anand Vihar: 329
Ashok Vihar: 302
Aya Nagar: 239
Bawana: 310
Burari: 245
Chandni Chowk: 336
DTU: 339
Dwarka Sector 8: 324
IGI Airport (T3): 221
ITO: 296
Jahangirpuri: 327
Lodhi Road: 248
Mundka: 339
Najafgarh: 257
Narela: 270
Punjabi Bagh: 311
RK Puram: 329
Rohini: 308
Sonia Vihar: 304
Vivek Vihar: 311
Wazirpur: 312
Many of these stations fall in the 300–400 AQI range, indicating “very poor” air quality, which can cause respiratory distress, especially among sensitive groups.
Understanding AQI Categories
0–50: Good
51–100: Satisfactory
101–200: Moderate
201–300: Poor
301–400: Very Poor
401–500: Severe (poses significant health risks)
Toxic air in the severe category is particularly dangerous for people with preexisting health conditions.
Delhi Colder Than Shimla
Alongside pollution, Delhi continues to battle extreme cold, with the minimum temperature on Sunday dropping to 3°C, even lower than Shimla’s 3.5°C.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for a severe cold wave across the National Capital Region, forecasting daytime temperatures between 18°C and 20°C and nighttime temperatures between 2°C and 4°C.
IMD Forecast: Dry Weather, Fog Likely to Persist
According to the India Meteorological Department:
A western disturbance and strong northwesterly winds are causing sharp temperature drops.
The cold wave is expected to continue over the next few days.
The weather will remain dry across Delhi-NCR until January 17.
Light to moderate fog is expected during morning hours.
A slight rise in temperature may be observed on January 13.
Air quality may deteriorate again by Wednesday, when wind flow is projected to slow, reducing natural dispersion of pollutants.
