Delhi's AQI Nears 400 Ahead of Diwali, Stubble Burning Worsens Air Quality
Delhi's AQI Nears 400 Ahead of Diwali, Stubble Burning Worsens Air Quality
IN · Published Nov 5, 2026
• Delhi's air quality has sharply deteriorated ahead of Diwali, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 367 on the morning of 5 November 2026, categorised as 'very poor'. Several monitoring stations, including IIT Delhi and Jahangirpuri, recorded 'severe' AQI levels above
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast clear skies with maximum temperatures of 27–29°C and minimums of 15–17°C over the next four days, along with morning mist or shallow fog, which could trap pollutants near the surface. The worsening air quality follows a brief improvement due to Cyclone Montha-related rain, which had brought the AQI down to 60 ('satisfactory') on 30 October. Stubble burning in neighbouring states has been identified as a significant contributor, accounting for 20.2% of Delhi's pollution on 4 November, with 467 farm fires detected across six states.

Impact & Risks

The 'very poor' to 'severe' air quality poses health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiac conditions. Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory illnesses and exacerbate existing health issues. Healthy individuals may also experience breathing discomfort. Neighbouring NCR cities, including Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad, are also experiencing poor to very poor air quality, with some areas recording AQI levels above 400. The combination of stubble burning, vehicle emissions, and weather conditions is expected to keep pollution levels high in the coming days.

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