Delhi-NCR AQI Turns Severe At 402 As Farm Fire Smoke And Weak Winds Worsen Pollution

Delhi-NCR is witnessing a sharp rise in air pollution, with a thick layer of smog covering the region and the Air Quality Index (AQI) entering the ‘Severe’ category on Friday.

Delhi’s average AQI reached 402, while the PM2.5 level stood at 296 micrograms per cubic metre at 9.30 am, according to AQI.in data. This is nearly 20 times the safety limit.

The sudden deterioration is linked to smoke from farm fires in neighbouring states, along with weather conditions that are preventing pollutants from dispersing.

Northwesterly winds have returned after easterly and northeasterly winds earlier this week limited the movement of farm-fire smoke towards Delhi.

On Thursday, winds at an altitude of 1–2 km were recorded at around 34 kmph, carrying smoke towards the capital. However, winds closer to the ground remained weak, allowing pollutants to build up.

Another factor is the shrinking atmospheric mixing layer. This is the lower part of the atmosphere where pollutants normally spread and become diluted.

When this layer becomes shallow, pollution from vehicles, industries and other sources remains concentrated near the ground. Calm winds during the night have further added to the problem.

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The lack of rainfall has also contributed to the worsening air quality, as rain can help wash suspended particles out of the atmosphere.

Although a western disturbance has brought rain and snowfall to parts of the western Himalayas, Delhi has not received similar rainfall. The India Meteorological Department has forecast dry conditions, with no immediate rain expected.

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Farm fires are adding to the pollution, but they are not the only source. Government estimates put their contribution to Delhi’s pollution at 8.9% on Thursday. Transport accounted for around 16%, highlighting the role of local emissions alongside smoke carried from neighbouring states.