Delhi woke up to a hazy morning on Thursday as a thin layer of smog blanketed the city, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 278, placing it in the ‘poor’ category. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System, the situation is expected to worsen, with pollution levels likely to slip into the ‘very poor’ category between November 6 and 8.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that the national capital’s AQI stood at 278 this morning, indicating a significant decline in air quality. Experts warn that air quality could deteriorate further by evening due to low wind speeds and increased pollutant accumulation. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
The Early Warning System forecast indicates that wind speed may gradually increase up to 15 kmph from the northwest direction during the afternoon before dropping below 10 kmph by evening and night. The sky is expected to remain mainly clear, with mist or haze likely to persist throughout the day. This stagnation of air contributes heavily to increased pollution levels.
The CPCB classification provides clear scales for residents: an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered “good,” 51 to 100 “satisfactory,” 101 to 200 “moderate,” 201 to 300 “poor,” 301 to 400 “very poor,” and 401 to 500 “severe.” As per the latest update, Delhi’s air quality is clearly in the ‘poor’ zone; precautions are necessary.
The minimum temperature in Delhi settled at 12.7 degrees Celsius—2.6 degrees below the seasonal average—while humidity stood at 75 percent at 8:30 a.m. Sunshine is anticipated to peak with a maximum temperature expected to hover around 29 degrees Celsius. The weather department has also forecasted mist and haze throughout the day, further complicating air quality issues.
Residents are strongly advised to limit outdoor activities, particularly during early morning and late evening hours, as pollution levels remain high and pose health risks. The government continues to issue health advisories urging citizens, especially vulnerable groups, to take necessary precautions during this period of poor air quality.
