Full Breakdown
Delhi’s Air Quality Shifts: Moderate Relief Amid Persistent Poor Conditions
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Recent Improvement to Moderate Levels
On October 24, 2026, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 185 at 9 a.m., placing Delhi in the “moderate” category. This followed a 24-hour average of 230 on October 23, 2026, which had kept the city in the “poor” range.
Background & Context
Delhi’s first “poor” reading of the season occurred on October 21, when the AQI rose to 245. Brief improvements were noted on October 12 after rainfall. The seven-day average through October 23 was 195, the third-lowest for the same period in the 2015-2026 record. The last comparable poor episode before this season was on July 13, when the AQI reached 246.
Data & Statistics
- AQI trend: 187 on October 18, 139 on October 19, 179 on October 20; 230 on October 23, improving to 185 on October 24. Hourly readings on October 24 fell from 201 at 4 a.m. to 185 by 9 a.m.
- Pollutants: PM2.5 dominated at 39 of 58 monitoring stations; PM10 was prominent at 18 stations.
- Temperature: Minimums dropped across all five IMD stations, lowest at 17 °C in Ayanagar; maxima expected between 32 °C and 34 °C.
- Farm fires: NASA satellite data detected 545 fires in Punjab and Haryana between October 1 and October 23 (473 in Punjab, 72 in Haryana). The previous year’s count was 708, but satellite overpasses at 1:30 p.m. likely miss many later-day burns.
- Pollution sources (IITM Decision Support System): Transport 20.3 %, residential 5.2 %, industry 4.2 %, construction 2.6 %, energy 2 %, waste burning 1.8 %, road dust 1.4 %, other 1.3 %. Among NCR districts, Gurugram contributed 8.8 %, Jhajjar 6.1 %, and Gautam Buddha Nagar 4.7 %. Stubble burning accounted for 5.1 % of total emissions.
Official Statements & Responses
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on October 21 after the AQI entered the poor category. CAQM announced that relevant agencies will implement, monitor, and review actions to prevent further deterioration. The Air Quality Early Warning System projected that the AQI would remain in the poor range through October 25-26. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast partly cloudy skies on October 24-25, with maximum temperatures between 32 °C and 34 °C.
On-the-Ground Observations
Residents reported a thin haze over India Gate but continued outdoor activities such as jogging. No rainfall was recorded at any of the five weather stations during the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 a.m. on October 24.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Forecast horizon: One outlet expects poor conditions through October 25, another extends the outlook to October 26; both rely on the same Early Warning System.
- Farm-fire counts: Satellite-derived numbers may understate actual burning because most stubble burning occurs after the 1:30 p.m. overpass; ground verification is absent.
Why It Matters
Sustained poor air quality heightens health risks linked to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Activation of GRAP Stage I imposes stricter controls on dust at construction sites, vehicle emissions, and open burning, affecting construction firms, transport operators, and food-service establishments across Delhi-NCR.
What’s Next
The Early Warning System indicates the AQI will stay in the poor category at least until October 25-26, after which no further forecasts are provided in the sources. GRAP Stage I measures remain in force, with agencies tasked with ongoing monitoring and enforcement.