Delhi’s air quality deteriorated further on Sunday morning, January 4, 2026, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 298 at 8 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. This marked a sharp rise from the 24-hour average of 267 recorded at 4 pm on Saturday. The reading placed the capital firmly in the ‘poor’ category, just below the threshold for ‘very poor’ air quality. Residents woke up to thick smog and reduced visibility in many areas. Health experts continued to advise vulnerable groups to limit outdoor exposure during such conditions.

The India Meteorological Department had issued a yellow alert for moderate to dense fog in the early hours, though significant visibility drops were more pronounced in parts of North India outside Delhi. Despite the fog warning, Delhi airport experienced major disruptions, with at least 170 flight delays reported by FlightRadar24 on Sunday morning. Airport officials clarified that most delays stemmed from poor weather at originating or destination airports across the region. Flights were affected due to safety protocols that consider conditions at both ends of each route. The fog contributed to widespread travel chaos in northern India.

Strong surface winds had briefly improved air quality on Friday, leading the Commission for Air Quality Management to lift Stage III restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan across the National Capital Region on Friday evening. However, the respite proved short-lived as pollution levels began rising again by Saturday. The Air Quality Early Warning System forecast that Delhi’s AQI would enter the ‘very poor’ category from Sunday through Tuesday. The outlook for the following six days also predicted sustained ‘very poor’ conditions. This trend signals a return to stricter pollution control measures if levels worsen further.

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Delhi’s minimum temperature dropped to 7.4°C on Sunday, which was 0.5°C below normal, while the maximum was expected to stay between 17°C and 19°C. The combination of cold weather, low wind speeds, and ongoing emissions from vehicles, industry, and stubble burning continued to trap pollutants close to the ground. The CPCB categorizes AQI between 201 and 300 as ‘poor,’ 301 to 400 as ‘very poor,’ and above 400 as ‘severe.’ Authorities urged citizens to follow health advisories and minimize unnecessary outdoor activities. The situation remains a stark reminder of the persistent winter pollution crisis in the national capital.

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