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Delhi Braces for Toxic Smog as Air Quality Deteriorates
18 Oct
Summary
- Delhi's air quality remains "poor" for 4 consecutive days
- Forecasts predict further air quality deterioration in coming days
- Meteorological conditions unfavorable, with low wind speeds
As of October 18th, 2025, Delhi's air quality has remained in the "poor" category for the past four consecutive days, according to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) daily bulletin. The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) on Friday was 254, continuing the "poor" air streak that began earlier in the week.
Experts warn that the air quality is likely to further deteriorate over the next few days. The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) for Delhi has forecasted the air quality to be in the "poor" category from Saturday to Sunday, with the potential to reach the "upper end of very poor" category on Monday due to additional emissions from firecrackers.
Meteorological conditions are also not favoring the city, as Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet meteorology, explains. "Pollution level will remain high for the next few days as wind speed is quite low and is expected to remain so. Depending on the additional emissions because of Diwali, pollution levels are expected to persist over the next week as well."
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also predicted the formation of mist or haze in the early hours of Saturday, with the possibility of smog or shallow fog at many places from Sunday to Tuesday. This unfavorable weather pattern is likely to exacerbate the city's air pollution crisis in the coming days.
