Delhi Battles Persistent Pollution Amid Dip in Minimum Temperature

As of November 18, 2025, Delhi's air quality has remained in the "very poor" category for the past five days, with a thick layer of smog covering the city in the early hours. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data shows that the average Air Quality Index (AQI) was 344 at 8 AM on November 18, marginally lower than the 351 recorded at 4 PM on November 17.

The city has also experienced a significant drop in minimum temperature, with the mercury plunging to 9.6°C on November 18, three degrees below the normal. This dip in temperature is expected to continue until at least November 20, with the minimum temperature likely to oscillate between 9-11°C.

While the increase in wind speed on November 17 and a reduction in stubble burning have led to a marginal improvement in the AQI, the haze of smoke is expected to continue shrouding Delhi until at least November 20. The Decision Support System (DSS) data shows that the contribution of stubble burning to Delhi's total PM 2.5 levels decreased from 16.47% on November 16 to around 12.8% on November 17.

Despite these efforts, Delhi's air quality is forecast to remain in the "very poor" category until at least November 20, with the possibility of a "cold wave" if the minimum temperature drops below 10°C and 4.5°C or more below normal.