Delhi's AQI spikes above 400 amid dropping temperatures and dense fog

Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region are confronting a dual challenge: a rapid fall in temperature and a surge in air‑pollution that is pushing AQI readings into the hazardous zone. Weather experts forecast that minimum temperatures could sink to 15°C, while thick morning fog is expected to persist, amplifying the health risks linked to poor air quality.

Recent data from the state pollution board shows AQI levels hovering around the 400 threshold across the capital. The heaviest readings were recorded in Bawana (424), Burari Crossing (437), Chandni Chowk (416), Aya Nagar (391), Ved Vihar (387) and Burari (379). Additional zones such as Badarpur (362), Anand Vihar (331), Ashok Vihar (327) and the Cantonment area (291) also fall within the "severe" classification.

The surrounding NCR cities are not exempt. In Noida, Sector‑62 recorded an AQI of 433, while Sector‑110 (362), Sector‑150 (338), Sector‑1 (332), Sector‑39 (324), Sector‑125 (308) and Sector‑116 (285) all reported elevated values. Ghaziabad’s New Tahsil‑Loni reached a critical AQI of 452, with Ved Vihar‑Loni (387), Wave City (381), Loni (365), Govindpuram (349), Sanjay Nagar (346), Indirapuram (318) and Vasundhara (295) also showing dangerous levels.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the city will experience moderate fog on 9‑10 November, with maximum temperatures ranging between 28‑29°C and lows around 15‑16°C. Relative humidity may touch 95% in the early hours, deepening the fog layer. From 11‑14 November, light fog will continue, while temperatures gradually decline, keeping the maximum near 29°C and the minimum close to 16°C.

The combination of cold, humidity and high pollution is particularly hazardous for respiratory patients, the elderly and young children. Authorities have activated the Graded Response Action Plan (GREP) to enforce stricter emission controls and mitigate the worsening air‑quality scenario.