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Delhi's Air Quality Improves Dramatically, but Experts Warn of Looming Decline
31 Oct
Summary
- Delhi's air quality index improved from 'very poor' to 'poor' on Friday
- Sunny skies and brisk winds helped disperse pollutants
- Forecasters predict conditions will worsen again on Saturday
On November 1, 2025, Delhi's air quality saw a significant improvement, with the city's 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) dropping from a season-high 373 ('very poor') on Thursday to 218 ('poor') on Friday. By 8 PM, the AQI further decreased to 203 ('poor'), according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board.
Experts attribute the improved air quality to marginally stronger winds and bright sunshine on Friday, which aided the dispersion of pollutants. Rain in neighboring Haryana and Uttar Pradesh may have also had a "washout" effect on pollutants in the National Capital Region. However, forecasters warn that the relief is likely to be short-lived, as wind speeds are expected to drop again on Saturday, potentially worsening the AQI and pushing it back into the 'very poor' category.
The Commission for Air Quality Management stated that the period between January and October 2025 recorded the cleanest air in Delhi in eight years, excluding the lockdown year of 2020. The city's environment minister credited the improved air quality to "sustained action on the ground, aided by meteorology," with various government agencies working in coordination to curb open waste burning, control dust, and address vehicular pollution.
