Is the air quality good in Delhi?
On September 14, 2025, at 9:30 PM PT, Delhi, India, is experiencing "unhealthy for sensitive group," air quality with an AQI above 140. Some neighborhoods show higher levels, posing risks to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues.
Air quality is dynamic and can change rapidly. Delhi ranked as the 3rd most polluted major city on Sunday morning (local time), with Mumbai, Gurugram and Noida also impacted.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Delhi.
While conditions are unusually poor today, the situation highlights the city’s persistent struggle with pollution. Although slightly lower than the 2024 annual average of 108.3 µg/m³ PM2.5 (equivalent to an AQI of 178, categorized as “unhealthy”), today’s levels still represent hazardous exposure for millions of residents.
With air quality nearly 22 times higher than the WHO’s safe guideline, the data underscores that even on relatively “better” days, Delhi continues to face dangerously polluted air that poses serious health risks.
Delhi, India ranked as the 3nd most polluted major city on September 14, 2025. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Delhi?
Air quality in Delhi tends to fluctuate over short periods. Hourly forecasts indicate a gradual improvement by the end of the day (local time), with winds dispersing pollutants and possibly reducing AQI levels to below 110.
Hourly air quality forecast for Delhi, India on September 14, 2025. Source: IQAir.
Daily air quality forecast for Delhi, India for last 30 days. Source: IQAir.
Daily forecasts show that air quality had remained relatively better over the past few days, today it has spiked to significantly higher levels.
With the ongoing seasonal transition, some brief relief may occur; however, sustained improvement will depend on reductions in emissions, favorable weather conditions, and stronger regional cooperation.
Air quality map of Delhi, India on September 14, 2025. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Delhi?
Delhi’s severe air pollution stems from a mix of local and regional factors. Vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust play a major role in worsening urban air quality in the city (1).
Crop residue burning in neighboring states such as Punjab and Haryana releases large quantities of smoke, contributing significantly to Delhi’s toxic haze during the post-monsoon season (2).
Seasonal weather patterns, including temperature inversions and light winds during winter, trap pollutants close to the ground, amplifying smog intensity.
Additionally, Delhi’s location within the larger Indo-Gangetic Plain allows cross-border pollution from other regions in India to exacerbate local air quality challenges (3).
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How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
