Thick Layer Of Smog Engulfs Delhi As AQI Remains In 'Poor' Category, Visibility Drops

Residents of Delhi woke up to a hazy morning on Thursday as the air quality remained in the “poor” category, showing no signs of respite. Visuals from several areas in the national capital showed a thick layer of smog lingering in the air, leading to reduced visibility during the morning hours.

According to data from SAFAR, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 264, falling under the “poor” category, at 8.20 am. The hazy conditions added to the discomfort of morning commuters and tourists.

#WATCH | Delhi: Visuals around Kartavya Path as a layer of smog lingers in the air this morning. AQI in the area is in the ‘Poor’ category at 230, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). pic.twitter.com/HDLajCgrYL

— ANI (@ANI)

November 6, 2025

Delhi’s air quality had showed improvement on Wednesday, but remained in the “poor” category, with an overall AQI of 202, as favourable wind conditions helped disperse pollutants.

Satellite data showed that on Wednesday, 94 stubble-burning incidents were detected in Punjab, 13 in Haryana, and 74 in Uttar Pradesh.

The national capital’s air quality had improved slightly on Tuesday, with the AQI settling at 291 in the “poor” category, compared to 366 (‘very poor’) recorded on Sunday.

#WATCH | Delhi: Visuals around ITO as a layer of smog lingers in the air this morning. AQI in the area is in the ‘Poor’ category at 287, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). pic.twitter.com/SU4TYVCEMW

— ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2025

Since Diwali, the city’s air quality has fluctuated between the “poor” and “very poor” categories, occasionally dipping into the “severe” zone.

As per AQI categorisation, a reading of 0–50 is considered ‘good’, 51–100 ‘satisfactory’, 101–200 ‘moderate’, 201–300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’, and 401–500 ‘severe’.

The maximum temperature on Wednesday was recorded at 30.4°C, 1.6 degrees above the seasonal average, while the minimum temperature settled at 18.4°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The weather department forecast mainly clear skies for Thursday, with maximum and minimum temperatures likely to hover around 32°C and 18°C, respectively.