Delhi recorded a city-wide Air Quality Index (AQI) of 350 on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, its highest reading in 287 days, as 10 of the capital’s 57 monitoring stations reported severe pollution. Jahangirpuri recorded the highest station-level reading at 462, according to data cited by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The distinction between the city-wide figure and local readings is important: an AQI of 350 falls in the CPCB’s ‘very poor’ band, while Jahangirpuri’s 462 is in the ‘severe’ category. The previous higher city-wide reading was 378 on 20 January 2026, reports said.
01. Ten monitoring stations record severe air quality
Of the 57 stations reporting data, 10 were in the severe category, 35 recorded very poor air quality and 12 were in the poor category. PM2.5 was the most prominent pollutant. These fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and are associated with respiratory and cardiovascular health risks.
IITM’s station-level dashboard reported Jahangirpuri at 462 at 3 pm. This is a location-specific reading and should not be confused with the city’s overall AQI of 350.
02. GRAP Stage II restrictions in force across Delhi-NCR
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on 2 November, after Delhi’s AQI reached 324 at 4 pm and conditions entered the very poor category.
Stage II measures include intensified mechanical road sweeping and water sprinkling, dust-control measures at construction sites, restrictions on open waste burning, higher parking fees to discourage private vehicle use and steps to strengthen public transport. Authorities have also urged offices and residents to follow the applicable directions. The Delhi Metro announced additional weekday services to support public transport.
03. What is contributing to the pollution?
The Decision Support System’s source-apportionment estimates, as reported by The New Indian Express, put transport emissions at 15.8% and stubble burning at 15.3% of Delhi’s pollution on the day. These are modelled estimates rather than direct measurements of the contribution at each monitoring station. Other estimated sources included residential activity, industry, construction and waste burning.
Weather conditions also influence how quickly pollutants disperse. Low wind speeds and atmospheric conditions can allow pollutants to accumulate near the surface, worsening exposure across the city.
04. What the AQI categories mean
- Good: 0–50
- Satisfactory: 51–100
- Moderate: 101–200
- Poor: 201–300
- Very poor: 301–400
- Severe: 401–500
The IITM Air Quality Early Warning System forecast very poor conditions from 4 to 6 November, with its broader six-day outlook ranging from very poor to severe. Forecasts may change as weather conditions evolve, so residents should consult current CPCB and IITM readings.
05. How residents can reduce exposure
People can check the latest station-level AQI before planning outdoor activity, avoid strenuous exercise outdoors when pollution is high and follow health advice from local authorities. Children, older adults and people with respiratory or heart conditions should take particular care. Anyone experiencing serious breathing difficulty should seek medical attention.
06. Related Images
07. Sources
- IITM Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi — forecast dated 3 November 2026.
- IITM Delhi station-level observations — station data, including Jahangirpuri.
- The New Indian Express — city-wide AQI, station categories and source-apportionment estimates, 3 November 2026.
- Rediff / PTI — AQI and monitoring-station figures, 3 November 2026.
08. More from NewsY
Follow the latest developments in India news and read our coverage of weather alerts and extreme conditions in Andhra Pradesh.
