Delhi-NCR Weather Update: Dense fog and cold wave grips city, AQI slips to ‘very poor’ category at 398
Delhi-NCR Weather Update: Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply during the early morning hours on Tuesday amid dense fog and a cold wave. Visibility was affected in several areas, causing significant travel disruptions as fog shrouded the city. The overall Air Quality Index plunged to 397 under the ‘very poor’ category at 7 am on January 20, 2026, sparking health concerns.
As pollution levels took a dip, AQI in many areas in Delhi breached the 400 mark, falling in the red zone, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Commuters faced difficulty in traveling as a thick layer of fog gripped several regions in the city. Pandav Nagar registered a concerning AQI of 455 this morning, while the air quality dropped to 411 under the ‘Severe’ category around Anand Vihar. The AQI in the Punjab Bagh area hit 400, impacting visibility.
GRAP IV back in force
In view of the alarming pollution levels, strict measures under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have been implemented. Meanwhile, proactive steps are also being taken as further deterioration in the air quality is expected in Delhi-NCR.
AQI in other places in Delhi
AQI plunged to 361 in Jahangirpuri while Patparganj recorded an air quality index of 351 at 7 am on January 20, 2026. The other regions include Bawana (304), Chandni Chowk (293), Vivek Vihar (338), Najafgarh (173), Dilshad Garden (223), Siri Fort (336), Okhla Phase 2 (345), and Sri Aurobindo Marg (243)
Delhi AQI: Check forecast for next two days
The air quality is very likely to be in the ‘very poor’ category until January 22, 2026. The outlook for the subsequent six Days shows the AQI to be in the very Poor to Poor category.
Delhi weather forecast for next 5 days
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a partly cloudy sky in Delhi, with shallow to moderate fog at many places on Tuesday, January 20, 2024. Thereafter, on the 22nd, the skies will turn generally cloudy during the afternoon.
Air Quality In Ghaziabad, Noida And Gurugram
The neighboring cities also recorded high AQI levels. Ghaziabad records a ‘poor’ AQI of 608, while Noida and Gurugram register AQIs of 599 and 520, according to AQI.in
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