Delhi woke up to a third consecutive day of “severe” air quality on Monday, December 15, as a thick blanket of smog enveloped the National Capital Region (NCR). The situation remains critical, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) registering 457 at 6 am.
AQI Breaches Maximum Limit
The air quality has deteriorated sharply, with several monitoring stations hitting the highest measurable limit on the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) scale:
- Overall AQI (6 am): 457 (Severe)
- Maximum Limit Breached: At least four stations—Ashok Vihar, Jahangirpuri, Rohini, and Wazirpur—recorded an AQI of 500 around 7 am. Since the AQI scale only goes up to 500, the actual exposure levels in these areas are likely even higher.
- Widespread Crisis: Data from Sunday showed that 38 of the 39 active monitoring stations in Delhi recorded AQI levels in the “Severe” or “Severe-Plus” categories.
| Monitoring Station | AQI | Monitoring Station | AQI |
| Ashok Vihar | 500 | Jahangirpuri | 500 |
| Anand Vihar | 493 | Wazirpur | 500 |
| Vivek Vihar | 493 | Mundka | 450 |
| R K Puram | 482 | IGI Airport (T3) | 384 |
Health and Travel Warnings
The dense haze has led to dangerous conditions across the city:
- Visibility Plunges: Visibility at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport dropped as low as 50 meters around 7 am, prompting advisories for travelers.
- Health Advisory: The CPCB defines the 401–500 “Severe” category as one that “May cause respiratory impact even on healthy people, and serious health impacts on people with lung/heart disease.”
Forecast for the Week
The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi (AQEWS) suggests a gradual, though minimal, improvement:
- Monday (Today): The air quality is expected to remain in the “Severe” category.
- Tuesday to Wednesday: The AQI is forecasted to improve slightly to the “Very Poor” category (301-400), with stronger winds possibly aiding the dispersion of pollutants.