Delhi AQI Today Air Quality Remains Poor Despite Light Rain

Delhi's AQI settled at 222 on October 29, 2026, as pollution remained in the poor category despite cloudy skies and light rain.

By News National Editorial Team

Delhi's Air Quality Remains in Poor Category Despite Light Rain

New Delhi: Delhi's air quality remained in the poor category for the second consecutive day on Thursday, October 29, 2026, despite cloudy skies and light rain in parts of the city, according to a report citing data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) settled at 222 on Thursday, down from 229 on Wednesday. Although the reading showed a modest improvement, pollution continued to affect large parts of the national capital.

Of the city's 58 monitoring stations cited in the report, 35 recorded poor air quality and three recorded readings in the very poor category. Uttam Nagar recorded an AQI of 331, followed by Mundka at 305 and Jahangirpuri at 301.

The figures highlight the uneven distribution of pollution across Delhi. While the citywide average provides an overall picture, conditions can differ considerably between neighbourhoods and monitoring locations.

What does an AQI of 222 mean?

Under the CPCB's classification system, an AQI between 201 and 300 falls in the poor category. The other categories are good at 0–50, satisfactory at 51–100, moderate at 101–200, very poor at 301–400 and severe at 401–500.

Poor air quality can cause breathing discomfort to people with lung or heart conditions, children, older adults and other sensitive groups. Exposure may also affect healthy people, particularly during prolonged outdoor activity.

People experiencing irritation, coughing, wheezing or breathing difficulties should take symptoms seriously and seek medical advice when needed.

Why has pollution remained high?

Light rain and changing weather conditions do not always produce an immediate or sustained improvement in air quality. Pollution levels are influenced by several factors, including emissions from vehicles and industries, construction dust, road dust, waste burning, regional pollution and weather conditions that affect how pollutants disperse.

Fine particulate matter, including PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the respiratory system. PM10 consists of larger inhalable particles that can also affect respiratory health. Both were identified as prominent pollutants in the city's reported air-quality data.

The available report does not establish a single cause for the latest readings. Pollution levels can change through the day as traffic, emissions, wind and atmospheric conditions change.

What is the forecast?

The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi forecast that air quality could move into the moderate category from Friday through October 31, before deteriorating to the poor category again on November 1. Forecasts are subject to change as weather and emissions conditions evolve.

Residents can reduce exposure by limiting strenuous outdoor exercise when pollution is high, checking local monitoring readings and following public-health advice. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions should follow their prescribed treatment plans.

What to watch next

The next few days will show whether the improvement recorded on Thursday continues. A fall in the citywide AQI would be encouraging, but readings from individual monitoring stations remain important because some localities can experience substantially worse conditions than the average.

Authorities and residents will continue to monitor pollution levels as seasonal weather changes affect the national capital.

Sources:

• ThePrint, PTI report: https://theprint.in/india/delhis-air-quality-remains-poor-for-second-day-despite-light-rain-cloudy-skies/3085354/

• Business Standard: https://www.business-standard.com/amp/india-news/delhi-stays-under-blanket-of-poor-air-as-aqi-holds-at-229-ncr-air-worsens-126102900089_1.html