AQI Delhi explained: why it turned poor
Published · 10 sources · 1000+ searches today
Delhi’s air quality worsened on 21 October 2026, with the city recording its first full day in the “poor” AQI category this season. The 24-hour AQI was reported at 245, which is why people across India are searching for AQI Delhi today. The drop comes with the start of winter pollution and has triggered GRAP-I restrictions across Delhi-NCR.
Key facts
- 21 Oct 2026: Delhi’s 24-hour AQI was 245, in the poor category
- CAQM invoked GRAP Stage I across Delhi-NCR on 21 Oct 2026
- The last similar AQI was 246 on 13 July 2026
- Hourly readings ranged from 238 to 247 on 21 Oct 2026
- Forecasts said Delhi air may stay poor through at least 23 Oct 2026
What happened in Delhi
The reported figures vary by time and monitoring point, with readings of 238, 245, and 247 appearing in different reports. The consistent point is that Delhi crossed into poor air quality on 21 October 2026.
This is drawing searches in India because it is the season’s first clear sign of worsening winter smog, and people want to know whether restrictions, travel, and outdoor activity may be affected.
Why the air got worse
The main reasons cited are falling temperatures and the onset of winter pollution. These conditions often trap pollutants closer to the ground and can make Delhi’s air deteriorate quickly.
The last comparable reading was on 13 July 2026, when Delhi’s AQI reached 246. The return to similar levels in late October has raised concern because the winter pollution season is beginning.
What rules have been triggered
Parking charges are to be doubled from 1 November under the announced curbs, meant to discourage private-vehicle use and push people toward public transport.
Delhi Metro is reported to be planning 20 additional daily trips, but that detail should be confirmed through an official Delhi Metro announcement.
What to watch next
The Air Quality Early Warning System forecast that Delhi’s air would likely remain poor through at least 23 October 2026. One report also cited a projection of AQI 342 for 22 October, which would fall in the very poor band.
For now, the key thing to watch is whether AQI stays in the poor range or worsens further as temperatures fall. The exact reading will continue to vary by time and location, so official daily updates matter most.
Frequently asked
What is the AQI in Delhi today, as of 22 October 2026?
The latest reported 24-hour AQI was 245 on 21 October 2026, which is in the poor category. Hourly readings were higher, including 247 at 7 pm, so the exact number depends on the measurement time.
Why is Delhi trending for AQI right now?
Delhi recorded its first full day in the poor AQI category this season on 21 October 2026. That has triggered GRAP-I restrictions and concern about winter smog, so many people are searching for updates.
What is GRAP Stage I in Delhi-NCR?
GRAP Stage I is the first level of anti-pollution action when air quality enters the poor range of 201–300. It includes dust control, checks on garbage and biomass burning, and vehicle pollution enforcement.
Will Delhi air quality get worse in the next few days?
The Air Quality Early Warning System forecast that Delhi’s air would likely remain poor through at least 23 October 2026. One report also projected AQI 342 for 22 October, which would be very poor.
Sources
- [1] theprint.in
- [2] economictimes.com
- [3] economictimes.com
- [4] dailyexcelsior.com
- [5] theprint.in
- [6] nationalheraldindia.com
- [7] theweek.in
- [8] openthemagazine.com
- [9] news18.com
- [10] farziupsc.com
Researched automatically from live news and written by Simpledot's AI; facts are limited to what the sources above report as of the published time. Spot an error? Tell us.