AQI breaches 400, over 30 areas in red zone as cities turn into a gas chamber, most polluted city is?
Delhi-NCR Weather Update: The air quality in the national capital deteriorated sharply on Monday morning, amid dense fog and a cold wave. The city’s Air Quality Index plummeted to 418 under the ‘severe’ category at 7 am on January 19, 2026, sparking concerns among the residents and authorities. Pollution levels took a big dip as over 30 areas in Delhi were recorded to be in the red zone, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Flights delayed, over 30 areas in red zone
As cold waves and a thick layer of fog gripped Delhi-NCR, several flights faced delays at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Rafi Marg registered a concerning AQI of 417 this morning, while the air quality dropped to 434 under the ‘Severe’ category around the ITO area. The AQI around India Gate and the surrounding areas also soared past the 400 mark, affecting visibility and causing significant disruptions.
In view of the alarming AQI levels, strict pollution control measures under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) are back in force. Proactive steps are being taken, as there is a likelihood of further deterioration in the air quality in Delhi-NCR.
AQI in other places in Delhi
AQI plunged to 500 in Chandni Chowk while Jahangirpuri recorded an air quality index of 428 at 7 am on January 19, 2026. The other regions include Anand Vihar (661, Bawana (356), Vivek Vihar (411), North Campus (413), Patparganj (404), Siri Fort (373), Okhla Phase 2 (330), and Sri Aurobindo Marg (262).
Delhi AQI: Check forecast for next two days
The air quality is very likely to be in the ‘very poor’ category until January 21, 2026. The outlook for the subsequent 6 Days shows a very Poor to Poor category.
Delhi weather forecast for next 5 days
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a partly cloudy sky in Delhi on Monday, January 19, 2024. A yellow alert has been issued due to moderate fog at many places, with dense fog at isolated places during morning hours. Thereafter, until the 24th, shallow to moderate fog has been forecast in the capital along with a partly cloudy sky.
Air Quality In Ghaziabad, Noida And Gurugram
The neighboring cities also recorded high AQI levels. Ghaziabad records a ‘poor’ AQI of 516, while Noida and Gurugram register AQIs of 622 and 426.
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