Delhi Chokes Under ‘Very Poor’ Air Quality as Smog Returns

Delhi records a dangerous AQI of 332, settling in the ‘very poor’ category, with Jahangirpuri hitting ‘severe’ at 405; health advisories remain in effect.

December 12, 2025: The national capital, Delhi, was blanketed by a thick layer of smog on Friday, pushing the city’s air quality into the ‘very poor’ category. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 332, signifying a serious health risk for residents.

Severe Pollution in Key Localities

While the majority of monitoring stations reported ‘very poor’ air quality (30 stations), one location, Jahangirpuri, tipped into the ‘severe’ category, recording a dangerously high AQI of 405.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards:

• 301 to 400 is considered ‘Very Poor’.
• 401 to 500 is considered ‘Severe’.

The deterioration is typically attributed to factors like low wind speed, temperature inversion, and the influx of pollutants from external sources during the winter months.

Forecast and Weather Details

Unfortunately, the air quality forecast offers no immediate relief. The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) predicts that Delhi’s air quality is likely to remain in the ‘very poor’ band through Saturday. The outlook for the subsequent six days also suggests that the pollution levels will persist in the ‘very poor’ range.

On the weather front, the national capital recorded a chilly minimum temperature of 8 degrees Celsius, which is 0.6 notches below normal. The relative humidity was recorded at a high 100 per cent, contributing to the persistent smog and haze. The maximum temperature for the day is expected to settle around 25 degrees Celsius.