Delhi logs second-best January air in five years with AQI of 307

Delhi's average air quality index (AQI) in January 2026 so far stands at 307, marking the second-best January air quality in five years. According to a CREA report, the month has seen two moderate days, 12 poor days, 14 very poor days, and two severe days. The data is sourced from the Central Pollution Control Board.

According to a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Delhi's air quality in January 2026 has been the second-best in five years, with an average AQI of 307.

The analysis shows that so far this month, the city has recorded two "moderate" air quality days, 12 "poor" days, 14 "very poor" days, and two "severe" days. This data is drawn from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Air pollution remains a persistent challenge in Delhi, but January 2026 indicates some improvement. The report, published on January 31, 2026, underscores ongoing monitoring efforts for the city's air quality.

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Delhi shrouded in dense fog and toxic smog during a cold wave, with poor visibility causing traffic disruptions on city streets.
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Delhi grapples with cold, fog and poor air quality

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On January 14, 2026, Delhi was enveloped in dense fog, a cold wave, and toxic air, disrupting daily life. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the city's overall Air Quality Index stood at 357 at 7 a.m., falling in the 'very poor' category. This has severely impacted public health and transportation.

On December 28, 2025, Delhi-NCR grappled with very poor air quality, recording an average AQI of 391. Dense fog and a cold wave prompted alerts for travelers, with pollution levels alarmingly high in surrounding areas too.

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Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped to 184 in the moderate category on Saturday following Friday's rain and strong winds. This marks the first such improvement in over three months. Experts predict the respite will be short-lived.

Delhi recorded its coldest day of the season on Saturday, with the maximum temperature at 16.9 degrees Celsius, 5.3 notches below normal. The city's average AQI reached 398, in the 'Very Poor' category, and is forecast to turn 'Severe' on Sunday and Monday. Noida's AQI was already 'Severe' at 401.

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Following a brief mid-week respite, Delhi's AQI surged to 387 on Saturday, nearing 'severe' levels as documented in our ongoing coverage of the winter pollution crisis. Thick smog reduced visibility, affecting 18 areas above 400, including hotspots like Wazirpur and Jahangirpuri, and prompting airport advisories.

Following Saturday's surge to 387, Delhi-NCR's air quality deteriorated further on December 15, 2025, with AQI exceeding 450 amid dense smog and fog. IMD issued an orange alert, GRAP-4 enforced hybrid schooling and 50% work-from-home, while traffic and flights faced disruptions.

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A month after December's severe smog crisis, Delhi-NCR faces another intense cold wave with dense fog and very poor air quality on January 6, 2026. Noida schools are closed to protect students, while authorities issue health advisories amid ongoing winter hazards.

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