Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) has shown a notable improvement, decreasing from a concerning level of 280 to as low as 66. This change occurred during the afternoon of October 15, 2026, primarily due to favourable weather conditions, including rain and strong winds. However, this temporary relief may soon be overshadowed as the weather is expected to shift towards drier conditions.

According to data from AQI.in, the air quality readings from 10:01 am on October 15 to 10:01 am on October 16 indicated fluctuating pollution levels. The city experienced its best air quality around 2 pm on October 15, but this was short-lived. Following a brief period of improvement, the AQI began to rise again, reaching 177 during the night between October 15 and 16.

As of 10:01 am on October 16, the AQI had risen to 158, placing it back in the “Poor” category. This fluctuation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the capital in maintaining air quality, particularly as weather conditions change.

Future Weather Predictions and Their Impact

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that the weather in Delhi is unlikely to provide further relief from pollution in the immediate future. In its bulletin released on October 16, the IMD indicated that no rain is expected in the city until at least October 22. Clear skies are anticipated from October 18 onwards, with maximum temperatures potentially rising to between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius by October 21 and 22.

While rain and strong winds can assist in dispersing pollutants, the lack of such conditions in the coming days may lead to a build-up of emissions from various sources. These include vehicular emissions, road dust, and construction activities, all of which contribute significantly to the city’s air pollution levels.

Another pressing concern is the practice of stubble burning in neighbouring states, which typically escalates during the paddy harvest season. The smoke and fine particulate matter generated from these fires can drift towards Delhi-NCR, exacerbating the already poor air quality. The extent of this impact is contingent on factors such as wind direction and speed.

Challenges Ahead for Delhi’s Air Quality

As Delhi braces for the winter months, the situation regarding air quality is expected to become more challenging. The arrival of cooler air and diminished wind speeds can hinder the dispersion of pollutants, allowing them to accumulate closer to the ground. This accumulation can lead to further deterioration in air quality, pushing the AQI into even poorer categories.

In addition to meteorological factors, the ongoing emissions from vehicles, industrial activities, and construction dust will continue to pose significant challenges. The city’s newly implemented anti-pollution regulations will be put to the test as these various sources contribute to the persistent air quality issues.

With no rain forecasted for the upcoming week, the temporary improvement witnessed after the recent showers may not endure. Residents of Delhi may need to prepare for a return to more hazardous air quality levels as the city navigates through these challenging environmental conditions.

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