Delhi basks in sunshine but hazardous air lingers with AQI at ‘severe’ level

New Delhi woke to sunny skies and warm conditions on Friday, but hazardous air continued to blanket the city, with forecasters warning residents to remain cautious despite the pleasant weather.

The capital’s air quality index (AQI) stood at 446 on Thursday, in the severe category, driven largely by high concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10. PM2.5 was measured at 295 μg/m³ and PM10 at 395 μg/m³, according to AQI.in data. Carbon monoxide levels were also elevated at 568 μg/m³. Pollution at these levels can aggravate respiratory illnesses and pose risks for children, the elderly and people with asthma or heart conditions.

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Friday’s weather offered some relief from the gloom, with the city forecast to record a high of 27.3°C and a low of 17.7°C. Humidity remained low at 17%, contributing to clear visibility and a crisp start to the day. A light breeze was expected to continue through the afternoon, though meteorologists said it may not be strong enough to substantially disperse accumulated pollutants.

Authorities advised residents to wear masks outdoors, especially in traffic-heavy corridors, and to avoid prolonged exposure during peak pollution hours. Health experts recommended staying hydrated and limiting strenuous outdoor activity for sensitive groups.

The week ahead is expected to bring stable and mostly sunny weather, with daytime temperatures staying between 27°C and 28°C and nighttime lows around 18°C. On Saturday, the city is forecast to reach 27.6°C, with similar conditions on Sunday and Monday. No rainfall is expected over the coming days.

Despite the favourable weather outlook, air quality remains the city’s main concern heading into the weekend. Officials said improvements would depend on wind patterns and emissions trends, with no immediate shift forecast.