Strong surface winds helped improve Delhi’s air quality on Friday, reducing pollution levels across the city. Despite this improvement, the Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the ‘poor’ category on Saturday morning.
Delhi Records Sharp Drop in Pollution Levels
AQI Improves by Over 100 Points in 24 Hours
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed Delhi’s AQI at 235 at 8am on Saturday. On Friday at 4pm, the 24-hour average AQI stood at 236. A day earlier, pollution levels had surged to 380, which falls in the ‘very poor’ category.
This sharp improvement led the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to remove Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) on Friday evening.
GRAP Stage I and II Measures Continue
Authorities Aim to Prevent Fresh Pollution Spike
Even after lifting stricter restrictions, the CAQM confirmed that GRAP Stage I and II measures will remain active. Authorities want to ensure that air quality does not worsen again due to changing weather conditions.
Air Quality May Deteriorate Again Soon
Forecast Warns of ‘Very Poor’ Conditions
The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) warned that pollution levels could rise again in the coming days.
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Saturday: AQI likely to stay poor
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Sunday and Monday: AQI may shift to very poor
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Next six days: High chance of continued very poor air quality
According to the CPCB:
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Moderate: AQI 101–200
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Poor: AQI 201–300
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Very Poor: AQI 301–400
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Severe: AQI above 400
GRAP Stage III applies when AQI crosses 400, while Stage IV begins if it reaches 450.
Cold Winds and Fog to Affect Weather
IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Fog
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said cold northwesterly winds will likely lower temperatures over the next few days. The department also issued a yellow alert, warning of moderate fog during late evening and night hours on Sunday.
Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 8.1°C on Saturday. This was slightly above normal but lower than the previous day. Officials expect temperatures to fall further and stay between 6°C and 8°C in the coming days. The maximum temperature remained around 17–19°C.
Fog Disrupts Flight Operations
Over 150 Flights Delayed at Delhi Airport
Dense fog across northern India caused more than 150 flight delays at Delhi airport on Saturday morning, according to FlightRadar24. Airport officials said poor visibility at other airports, especially in north India, led to most delays.
Dense Fog to Continue Across Several States
The IMD forecast dense to very dense fog over the next 5–7 days in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha. Fog will also affect parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, northern Madhya Pradesh, and Northeast India over the next 4–5 days.
