**Why Delhi’s Air Quality May Become ‘Poor’ from Wednesday**
*By Snehil Singh | October 13, 2025, 8:30 PM*
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a decline in Delhi’s air quality as the city transitions into winter. Air quality is expected to remain in the “moderate” category on October 13 and 14 but is predicted to slip into the “poor” category starting October 15, continuing for nearly a week.
According to the IMD bulletin, “The air quality is very likely to be in the Moderate category from October 13-14. From October 15 onwards, it is expected to be in the Poor category for nearly a week.”
### Pollution Update: Stubble Burning on the Rise
Delhi’s air quality saw slight improvement on Sunday, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 167 from Saturday’s 199. This improvement was largely due to steady winds blowing at 10-15 km/h.
However, stubble burning activity increased slightly, contributing to the pollution levels. Its share rose from 0.4% on Saturday to 0.8% on Sunday, negatively impacting the air quality.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences’ Early Warning System aligns with the IMD’s forecast, predicting moderate air quality on October 13 and 14, followed by poor conditions from October 15 onwards.
### Factors Behind the Pollution Spike
Delhi’s air quality typically deteriorates during October because of several factors: retreating monsoon rains, cooler temperatures, increased stubble burning in neighboring states, and festive fireworks.
Slower winds combined with cooler weather create a temperature inversion, which traps pollutants near the ground and worsens air quality. Additionally, smoke carried by north-westerly winds from Punjab and Haryana further exacerbates the situation.
On Sunday, vehicles were the top contributors to PM2.5 pollution at 19.8%, followed by emissions from Sonipat (9.2%) and Jhajjar (5.1%).
### Seasonal Outlook: Clear Skies and Cool Winds Expected
The IMD has forecast clear skies and cool northwesterly winds for the coming days, with maximum temperatures expected to rise to 34°C by Wednesday.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa highlighted that Delhi has recorded 199 days with AQI below 200 this year—nearly double the number recorded in 2016. He noted this as a sign of “real improvement on the ground.”
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Stay updated on Delhi’s air quality to take necessary precautions as the situation evolves.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/delhi-air-quality-to-turn-poor-from-wednesday/story
