The air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region continues to pose serious health risks despite showing marginal improvement on Wednesday morning, November 26, 2025. While particulate matter levels have dipped slightly, the air remains dangerously toxic for residents.
Current Air Quality Status
According to data from air quality tracker aqi.in, Delhi's AQI level stood at 373 at 7 AM on Wednesday, firmly placing it in the severe category. This represents only a minor improvement from previous days, offering little relief to the millions breathing the polluted air.
The India Meteorological Department's forecast of mainly clear skies with shallow to moderate fog during morning hours provides no hope for natural cleansing of the atmosphere. With no rainfall predicted for the next seven days, experts warn that the toxic air conditions are likely to persist.
Particulate Matter Levels Show Concerning Numbers
Data reveals that while PM 2.5 levels dropped from 289 at 7 AM on Tuesday to 214 at the same time on Wednesday, this level remains alarmingly high. The current PM 2.5 concentration exceeds the World Health Organization's 24-hour safety limit of 15 μg/m3 by more than 14 times.
Similarly, PM 10 levels, identified as the main pollutant in Delhi, showed a decrease from 391 to 285 over the same 24-hour period. However, this level still surpasses the WHO prescribed limit of 45 μg/m3 by more than six times.
Health Impacts and Safety Concerns
The dangerous combination of pollutants has created a public health emergency in the capital region. Breathing Delhi's current air is equivalent to smoking nearly 10 cigarettes daily, according to aqi.in calculations.
Medical professionals emphasize that prolonged exposure to such poor air quality can lead to serious respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues, and aggravated asthma conditions. The vulnerable populations including children, elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions face the highest risk.
Meanwhile, concerns about the Ethiopian volcanic ash cloud passing over India have been alleviated. The IMD confirmed that the ash cloud traveled through the upper troposphere and had no significant impact on India's weather or air quality conditions.
As the pollution crisis continues without immediate relief in sight, health authorities recommend that residents limit outdoor activities, use N95 masks when venturing outside, and employ air purifiers indoors to minimize exposure to the toxic air.
