Delhi recorded a sharp improvement in air quality on Friday as strong surface winds dispersed pollutants across the region. Despite the improvement, the Air Quality Index (AQI) stayed in the ‘poor’ category on Saturday morning.

Delhi AQI Drops Sharply in 24 Hours

Pollution Levels Improve by Over 100 Points

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows that Delhi’s AQI stood at 235 at 8am on Saturday. This marked a significant improvement from Thursday, when AQI touched 380, classified as ‘very poor’.

On Friday afternoon, the city recorded a 24-hour average AQI of 236, reflecting a drop of more than 100 points within a day due to favourable wind conditions.

CAQM Lifts GRAP Stage-III Measures

Authorities Continue Monitoring Air Quality

Following the improvement, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) removed Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) on Friday evening.

However, CAQM officials confirmed that GRAP Stage-I and Stage-II measures will continue to prevent pollution levels from rising again.

Air Quality May Worsen Again Soon

Forecast Warns of ‘Very Poor’ Conditions

The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) warned that air quality could deteriorate in the coming days. According to its latest forecast:

• Saturday: AQI likely to stay in the poor range

• Sunday to Monday: AQI may shift to the very poor category

• Next six days: High chance of continued very poor air quality

The CPCB defines AQI levels as:

• Moderate: 101–200

• Poor: 201–300

• Very Poor: 301–400

• Severe: Above 400

GRAP Stage-III activates when AQI is forecast above 400, while Stage-IV applies if levels cross 450.

Cold Winds and Fog to Affect Weather

IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Delhi

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said cold northwesterly winds will likely lower minimum temperatures over the next few days. The department issued a yellow alert, warning of moderate fog during late evening and night hours on Sunday.

Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 8.1°C on Saturday. Weather officials expect temperatures to drop further and remain between 6°C and 8°C in the coming days. The maximum temperature stood at 17.4°C on Friday and may stay between 17°C and 19°C.

Fog Disrupts Flight Operations

Over 150 Flights Delayed at Delhi Airport

Dense fog across northern India disrupted air travel, leading to more than 150 flight delays at Delhi airport on Saturday morning, according to FlightRadar24.

Airport authorities said poor visibility at several airports in north India caused most delays, as visibility dropped to zero in many areas.

Dense Fog Warning Issued for Multiple States

The IMD expects dense to very dense fog to persist for 5–7 days in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha. Fog may also affect parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, northern Madhya Pradesh, and Northeast India over the next 4–5 days.