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Delhi Braces for Cold Wave as Air Quality Slips Back to 'Very Poor'

Persistent northwesterly winds are expected to keep pollution entrenched for several days.

Overview

  • Delhi’s AQI measured around 323–324 on Friday morning, firmly in the ‘very poor’ range, with most monitoring stations above 300, CPCB data showed.
  • The city logged the season’s lowest readings on Thursday with a minimum of 5.6°C and a maximum near 23.1°C, both below normal, according to IMD.
  • IMD issued a yellow cold‑wave alert for Friday, forecasting minimum temperatures around 4–6°C and highs near 22–23°C as cold northwesterlies persist.
  • The Early Warning System expects air quality to remain in the ‘very poor’ category for the next few days despite brief, wind‑driven improvements.
  • Authorities held a high‑level pollution review in Delhi, directing stricter dust control and cleanup, as northern states also reported sharp temperature drops.