The overlapping of stubble burning and Deepavali firecrackers is expected to create hazardous air quality in Delhi and neighbouring regions. The resulting toxic smog, exacerbated by thermal inversion and the Himalayan barrier, could lead to severe health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues for nearly half-a-billion residents in northern India. The situation is further complicated by the potential impact of the Super El Niño effect, which may reduce rain-causing western disturbances, limiting the natural dispersion of pollutants.