Is the air quality good in Delhi?
On August 26, 2025, at 10:00 PM PT, Delhi, India, is experiencing moderate air quality with an AQI of 137, bordering on unhealthy for sensitive groups.
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 4th most polluted major city today, with nearby Gurugram and Noida also impacted.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Delhi.
While conditions are unusually poor today, the 2024 average PM2.5 in Delhi was 108.3 µg/m³, equating to an AQI of 178 ("unhealthy") and 21.7 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Delhi, India ranked as the 4th most polluted major city on August 26, 2025. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Delhi?
Air quality tends to fluctuate over short periods. It is forecasted to improve gradually by Thursday, with potential rains and winds dispersing pollutants, possibly dropping to AQI 80 (moderate).
Due to the seasonal transition, slight relief may occur briefly however, sustained improvement depends on changes in emission sources, weather conditions, and regional cooperation.
Hourly air quality forecast for Delhi, India on August 26, 2025. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Delhi, India on August 26, 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.
