Delhi is India’s second most polluted city for 4th consecutive month in January: Report

Delhi retained its position as the second most polluted city in India for the fourth consecutive month in January, as per a report by an independent research organisation.

In January 2025, the city registered an average PM2.5 concentration of 165 micrograms per cubic metre, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

The air quality at 9 am was recorded in the moderate category on Saturday, with an AQI reading of 143, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.

According to the India Meteorological department (IMD), the day’s forecast indicates a minimum and maximum temperature of 9.05 degrees Celsius and 26.25 degrees Celsius, respectively. The relative humidity is 17 per cent and the wind speed is 17 kmph.

As per the IMD, the maximum temperature remained normal for this time of the year, while the minimum temperature was recorded at 10 degrees Celsius.

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The weather department has forecast a clear sky for Saturday, with surface winds predominantly from the northwest at a speed of less than 10 km/h during the morning hours in Delhi.

Mist is expected in the morning, with wind speeds gradually increasing to 14-16 km/h from the northwest in the afternoon, the forecast added.

The CREA report also highlighted that out of 240 cities, 105 exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre for PM2.5 in January.

(With inputs from PTI)