Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Delhi Struggles with Severe Smog and Cold Wave
Delhi is facing a double trouble of very bad air quality and cold weather.
The air is so polluted that it's hard to breathe in some places, and it's also very cold.
This is because of a thick, toxic fog covering the city and smoke from burning farm fields in other states.
Even though officials are trying to control pollution by stopping certain construction and vehicles, it's still very bad.
The weather is also colder than usual, with temperatures dropping to the lowest in three years.
The Supreme Court is asking states like Punjab and Haryana to explain what they are doing to stop this farm field burning.
Because of this bad air, some schools have moved classes online for younger children.
Weather experts say it will stay cold and foggy for the next five days.
Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 359, classified as 'very poor', with Bawana recording a 'severe' AQI of 427.
Dense smog enveloped the city, impacting visibility and air quality, despite GRAP-III restrictions.
Temperatures dropped to around 9°C, contributing to smog conditions and marking the coldest November day in three years.
The Supreme Court directed Punjab and Haryana to submit reports on measures taken to curb stubble burning.
Shallow fog is predicted for the next five days, with temperatures expected to remain below normal.
- Who
- Residents of Delhi and NCR, CPCB, IMD, Supreme Court, governments of Punjab and Haryana.
- What
- Delhi is experiencing severe smog and cold wave, with AQI reaching 359 and temperatures dropping to 9°C.
- When
- November, with specific AQI readings and temperature records reported in the morning.
- Where
- Delhi and NCR, including areas like Bawana, NSIT Dwarka, India Gate, Kartavya Path, Chandani Chowk, RK Puram, ITO, Punjabi Bagh, Patparganj, Pusa, and Dwaraka Sector-8.
- Why
- High pollution levels attributed to smog, unfavourable weather conditions (low temperatures, lack of rain), and ongoing stubble burning in neighboring states.
CPCB Readings
Visual Observation
Air Quality Category
CPCB Readings
CPCB data indicates an average AQI of 359 ('very poor') in Delhi, with Bawana recording 427 ('severe').
Visual Observation
Dense smog blankets the city, with visuals from India Gate and Kartavya Path showing a thick layer of toxic smog, indicating severe pollution.
- Delhi's Average AQI
- 359 (Very Poor)
- Highest AQI Recorded (Bawana)
- 427 (Severe)
- Lowest AQI Recorded (NSIT Dwarka)
- 225 (Poor)
- AQI at India Gate/Kartavya Path
- 341 (Very Poor)
- Minimum Temperature
- 9°C
- GRAP Stage Implemented
- Stage III
- Predicted Minimum Temperature Range
- -1.6 to -5.0 °C
Sources
Air set to turn ‘severe’ again next week
Delhi’s AQI stays ‘very poor’
Delhi air quality worsens despite GRAP III curbs, set to become ‘severe’ again next week
No respite for Delhi, Noida and Gurugram as AQI remains ‘severe’ – will toxic air ease soon?
Thick smog engulfs Delhi as AQI reaches 385, India Gate barely visible
Delhi's air quality slips into 'hazardous' zone
Delhi air quality remains ‘very poor’; AQI stands at 385
Delhi Air Quality Remains Very Poor
From the Opinions Editor: Citizens are protesting Delhi’s toxic air. The issue is much deeper than ‘severe’ AQI
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At 9 Degrees Celsius, Delhi Records Coldest November Day In 3 Years
Delhi sees coldest November day in 3 years as AQI slips into very poor zone
Delhi records coldest November day in 3 years
Air pollution: SC to hear Monday plea on stubble burning
Why air quality numbers in Delhi vary widely
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Delhi-NCR AQI Level Today, November 17, 2025: With pollution stuck at ‘severe’ levels, Delhiites continue to battle choking air and zero respite
Delhi's Air Quality Turns 'Severe' As AQI Reading Soars To 427
Delhi’s worst Monday yet: Toxic haze pushes AQI past 400 in Civil Lines, Wazirpur, Narela and more — check area-wise details
Bengaluru Choking in Toxic Air: Air Purifiers to Be Installed at Busiest Junctions Amid AQI Spike
Delhi air pollution is here to stay as IMD predicts no rain for the coming 6 days, national capital chokes with 360 AQI
Delhi-NCR’s AQI remains in ‘very poor’ range, six stations cross 400 mark
Cold wave grips Delhi-NCR as mercury drops to a low of 9°C — coldest in 3 years; check this week's temperature forecast
