Air quality remains severe, slight relief expected December 15
A dense blanket of smog covered the city overnight, leaving residents struggling to breathe and waking to choking, polluted air.
Delhi woke up to another suffocating morning on Sunday as air quality remained in the ‘severe’ category for the second consecutive day, marking the worst pollution levels recorded this season. A thick haze hung over the city, muting skylines, stinging eyes and making every breath feel heavy, especially for children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions.
According to air quality data, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stayed firmly in the ‘severe’ range throughout December 14, underscoring the growing public health concern as winter pollution tightens its grip on the capital. Doctors across the city reported a rise in complaints of breathlessness, persistent cough, headaches and irritation in the throat and eyes, symptoms commonly linked to prolonged exposure to polluted air.
While there is a small measure of relief on the horizon, it is likely to be limited. Forecasts suggest that air quality may improve slightly on Monday, December 15, slipping from ‘severe’ to the ‘very poor’ category. However, experts caution that ‘very poor’ conditions are still hazardous and far from safe, particularly for sensitive groups. Residents are being advised to limit outdoor activities, wear masks when stepping out and keep windows closed during peak pollution hours.
Delhi was not alone in battling dangerous air on Sunday. Several cities across north India also recorded ‘severe’ air quality levels, highlighting the regional scale of the problem. Baghpat, Bahadurgarh, Noida and Greater Noida were among the worst affected, with pollution levels comparable to those in the national capital. In these areas, visibility dropped sharply, and daily routines were disrupted as people struggled to cope with the choking smog.
Environmental experts point to a combination of factors driving the crisis, including low wind speed, falling temperatures, vehicular emissions and ongoing construction activity. These conditions trap pollutants close to the ground, preventing their dispersal and allowing toxic particles to accumulate.
As winter deepens, concerns are mounting that pollution episodes like this could become more frequent and prolonged. For many residents, the return of ‘severe’ air quality has brought back a familiar sense of frustration and helplessness, along with a simple wish — for clean air that allows them to breathe freely, even if only for a few days.