Smog and Shear Cold: Why Stepping Out in Delhi-NCR Just Got Riskier

Updated: November 27, 2025 14:14

Image Source : The Statesman

A strengthening cold wave and worsening pollution have left Delhi-NCR residents battling dense fog, low temperatures and ‘severe’ air quality in pockets like Wazirpur and Bawana. With AQI levels hovering between 350 and 404 across several stations, experts urge vulnerable groups to stay indoors and use masks when stepping out.

A fresh spell of cold conditions tightened its grip over Delhi-NCR on Thursday as minimum temperatures dipped and dense fog reduced early-morning visibility across the region. At the same time, air quality, which had briefly improved earlier in the week, deteriorated again to touch ‘severe’ levels in multiple localities.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed the overall AQI for most of Delhi oscillating between 350 and 400—classified as ‘very poor’—while Wazirpur and Bawana recorded AQI readings of 404 and 403 respectively, firmly in the ‘severe’ band. Other hotspots such as Vivek Vihar, Jahangirpuri, Anand Vihar, Narela, Burari, Chandni Chowk, Sonia Vihar and RK Puram all reported AQI in the high ‘very poor’ range.

The renewed spike comes just a day after the Commission for Air Quality Management withdrew GRAP Stage III curbs following marginal improvement in pollution levels. Health experts warn that prolonged exposure in such conditions can aggravate respiratory and cardiac issues, advising people—especially children, the elderly and those with comorbidities—to limit outdoor activity, wear N95 masks and use air purifiers where possible.

Key Highlights

Cold wave intensifies; minimum temperature in Delhi dips to around 8–9°C, coldest this November since 2022.
Overall city AQI between 350–400 (‘very poor’), with Wazirpur (404) and Bawana (403) in ‘severe’ category.
Other badly affected areas include Vivek Vihar (395), Jahangirpuri (392), Anand Vihar and Narela (386 each), Burari and Chandni Chowk (368 each), Sonia Vihar (355), RK Puram (354).
Thick haze and fog reduce visibility in morning and evening hours, compounding discomfort for commuters.
CAQM recently revoked GRAP Stage III curbs after slight improvement, but overall air quality remains ‘very poor’.
Doctors urge high-risk groups to remain indoors, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and use proper masks when outside.

Source: NDTV, The Hans India, IANS, Business Standard, CPCB/CAQM updates.

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