What is the air quality index (AQI) for Delhi today? NCR is enveloped in toxic haze | weather updates

Delhi AQI today: A heavy layer of haze was also present in parts of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and the area surrounding the nation's capital.

Today's Delhi AQI: On Saturday morning, December 21, the average AQI in Nehru Nagar reached a concerning 434, solidly in the "severe" category, indicating that Delhi's air quality remained poisonous. The primary offender was PM2.5, those microscopic, harmful particles that pose major health hazards by penetrating deeply into the lungs and even entering the bloodstream.

A dense layer of fog also enveloped parts of the national capital region, Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram.

At 8 a.m. on Saturday, 20 of the city's 36 monitoring sites recorded "severe" air quality.

For susceptible groups including children, the elderly, and people with heart or respiratory disorders, these levels indicate a serious decline in air quality, which is potentially fatal.

With a 24-hour average AQI of 429 on Friday, the air quality stayed in the severe category. Fourteen of the 36 monitoring stations recorded AQI readings above 450, placing the air quality in the "Severe Plus" category. AQI levels in the 'Severe' range, ranging from 401 to 450, were recorded by the remaining sites.

Friday's high of 23 degrees Celsius was little warmer than typical for this season.

Bawana: 408.

403 Burari Crossing

Sector 8 of Dwarka: 414

Jahangirpuri: 410

National Stadium of Major Dhyan Chand: 407

Mundka: 425

424 Nehru Nagar

Phase 2 of Okhla: 408

Patparganj: 410

Puram RK: 416

Rohini: 425

Vivek Vihar: 417

Wazirpur: 424

Poor ventilation and slower wind rates in the winter have made Delhi's air quality a recurring worry.

Delhi's air quality is now classified as Stage III (Severe) under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which is defined by AQI values ranging from 401 to 450.

Authorities and health professionals have cautioned against outdoor activities, particularly for young people, the elderly, and those with respiratory disorders.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy fog for the weekend, which could make visibility much worse and worsen the already dangerous air quality.

With light to moderate rainfall predicted for Delhi on December 26, the IMD has produced a forecast that should temporarily alleviate the hazardous air.