Delhi and the NCR region marked the 13th consecutive day of hazardous air on November 26, 2025, with the city's AQI recorded between 337 and 373, categorized as very poor to severe. Particulate matter levels dipped slightly but stayed well above WHO limits, amid forecasts of no rain to clear the smog. NCR cities like Noida and Gurugram also reported high pollution indices.
On November 26, 2025, Delhi continued its struggle with toxic air, entering the 13th straight day of hazardous conditions. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) was reported at 337 by India Today, placing it in the 'very poor' category, while aqi.in recorded 373 at 7 AM, edging into severe levels. At India Gate, the AQI stood at 358, also very poor, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), with visuals showing a thick smog blanket over the area.
Particulate matter levels showed marginal improvement. PM2.5 dropped from 289 μg/m³ on Tuesday to 214 μg/m³ on Wednesday, but remained far above the World Health Organization's (WHO) 24-hour limit of 15 μg/m³. PM10, the primary pollutant, also decreased but exceeded the WHO cap of 45 μg/m³. According to aqi.in, breathing Delhi's air is equivalent to smoking nearly 10 cigarettes a day.
In the NCR, pollution persisted at high levels. Noida recorded an AQI of 413, Greater Noida 443, Gurugram 346 (down from 418), and Faridabad 391 (from 433), all showing slight dips but still very poor.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted mainly clear skies with shallow to moderate fog in the mornings and no rain for the next seven days, offering little relief. An Ethiopian volcanic ash cloud passing over India had no impact on air quality, as it stayed in the upper troposphere.
A high-level meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister directed NCR states to curb vehicular emissions, including penalties for non-compliant vehicles and accelerating electric vehicle transitions. Vehicular emissions have long been a major pollution source, offset by rising private vehicle numbers despite past shifts to CNG and metro expansions covering nearly 400 km.
