Delhi AQI at 256: Is the ‘Poor’ Air Quality Getting Better or Just a Temporary Relief?

Delhi AQI at 256 in ‘poor’ category; visibility improves, minimum temperatures to drop 5–6°C over next 3 days

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A Brief Respite, But Still in the Red

After a week of thick smog and hazardous air, Delhi residents woke up to clearer skies on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The welcome sight followed Friday’s heavy rainfall—a rare winter downpour that offered hope for cleaner air. And while visibility has indeed improved, don’t be fooled by the blue skies. The Delhi AQI still hovers at 256, solidly in the “poor” category according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) .

This means that even though the city looks brighter, the air you’re breathing remains unhealthy—especially for sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Several monitoring stations across the capital, including Anand Vihar and Wazirpur, continue to report “very poor” readings, underscoring that the crisis isn’t over .

What Does a Delhi AQI of 256 Mean for You?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized scale that measures the concentration of major air pollutants. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • 0–50: Good
  • 51–100: Satisfactory
  • 101–200: Moderate
  • 201–300: Poor
  • 301–400: Very Poor
  • 401+: Severe

At 256, the Delhi AQI falls into the “poor” range, which means prolonged exposure can cause breathing discomfort, throat irritation, and fatigue—even in healthy individuals. For people with asthma, bronchitis, or heart disease, the risks are significantly higher .

Why Did Rain Not Clean the Air Enough?

Rain is often hailed as nature’s air purifier—it washes away particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) from the atmosphere. So why didn’t Friday’s downpour bring Delhi’s AQI into the “moderate” or “satisfactory” zone?

Experts point to two key reasons:

  1. Localized and short-lived rainfall: The rain was intense but not widespread or sustained enough to flush out all pollutants, especially in areas farther from the epicenter of the storm.
  2. Ongoing emission sources: Even during rain, vehicles, construction dust, industrial activity, and residual stubble burning (from neighboring states) continue to release pollutants. Without a systemic reduction in emissions, any improvement from rain is temporary .

Temperature Drop and Its Impact on Air Quality

Meteorological forecasts predict a significant 5–6°C drop in minimum temperatures over the next three days . While cooler air might feel refreshing, it can actually worsen air quality in winter.

Here’s why: cold air near the ground gets trapped under a layer of warmer air—a phenomenon called temperature inversion. This acts like a lid, preventing pollutants from dispersing vertically. Add moderate fog and light winds to the mix, and you get stagnant air that allows pollutants to accumulate .

So, while the chill might make you reach for a sweater, it could also mean your morning jog should be postponed—or moved indoors.

Health Advisories for Poor AQI Days

When the Delhi AQI is in the “poor” range, health authorities recommend the following precautions:

  • Avoid prolonged outdoor exertion, especially between 7 AM and 10 PM.
  • Children, seniors, and those with pre-existing conditions should stay indoors as much as possible.
  • Use N95 or P100 masks if you must go outside.
  • Keep windows closed and use air purifiers with HEPA filters at home.
  • Stay hydrated and consume foods rich in antioxidants (like berries, nuts, and leafy greens) to support lung health [INTERNAL_LINK:foods-for-lung-health].

What to Expect in the Next 72 Hours

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi will experience:

  • Moderate fog in the early mornings
  • Strong surface winds (helpful for dispersion, but limited by low temperatures)
  • Minimum temperatures falling from around 12°C to as low as 6–7°C by Tuesday
  • No further significant rainfall predicted in the immediate term

Without another rain event or strong western disturbance, the AQI is likely to stagnate or even deteriorate slightly as colder nights set in .

Long-Term Solutions vs. Short-Term Fixes

Rain, wind, and cold snaps are temporary reprieves—not solutions. True improvement in Delhi’s air quality requires sustained policy action:

  • Strict enforcement of bans on biomass and waste burning
  • Accelerated adoption of electric public transport
  • Green buffers around urban hotspots
  • Real-time pollution source tracking and accountability

For more on national air quality strategies, refer to the official guidelines from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Conclusion: Stay Alert, Stay Healthy

Clear skies after rain can be misleading. With the Delhi AQI still at 256, the air remains unhealthy for most people. As temperatures plunge and fog returns, vigilance is key. Monitor real-time AQI updates via apps like SAMEER or AirVisual, limit outdoor exposure, and advocate for long-term environmental reforms. Your health—and your city’s future—depends on it.

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