Delhi air quality recorded as very poor on Diwali
The city's average Air Quality Index settled at 376 on Sunday, with forecasts predicting a shift to the severe category on Monday.
Delhi recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 376 in the 'very poor' category on Sunday, November 8, 2026, according to The Hindu. A thick layer of smog enveloped the city and reduced visibility during the day.
Of the 59 monitoring stations that recorded data on Sunday, 12 were in the 'severe' category and 22 were in the 'very poor' category. The highest AQI was recorded in Jahangirpuri at 463. The city's average AQI rose from 369 on Saturday to 376 on Sunday.
The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi has forecast that air quality is likely to turn 'severe' on Monday, November 9, and remain in that category for a few days. Experts attributed the expected deterioration to Diwali celebrations, vehicular emissions, the peak stubble-burning season, and unfavourable meteorological conditions.
The Decision Support System (DSS) for Delhi stated that the transport sector was the largest contributor to pollution on Sunday at 19 per cent. Stubble burning accounted for 3.5 per cent, with forecasts suggesting its contribution might be around 2.99 per cent on Monday.
PM2.5 was the predominant pollutant in the capital on Sunday, with firecracker emissions adding to particulate matter levels. Unfavourable weather, including a ventilation index below 6,000 square metres per second and wind speeds under 10 kilometres per hour, is hindering pollutant dispersion.