Residents of Delhi woke up to another smog-filled morning on Saturday, December 13, as the capital's air quality continued its dangerous slide. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi remained deep in the 'Very Poor' category, hovering near the threshold for 'Severe' air quality. More alarmingly, real-time data from various monitoring stations showed that over 15 localities across the National Capital Region (NCR) had slipped into the highly toxic 'Severe' (401-500) or even 'Hazardous' (500+) zones.
The dense blanket of smog and shallow fog has severely reduced visibility and created an immediate public health emergency, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory ailments.
#WATCH | Delhi | Visuals from the Dhaula Kuan area this morning as a layer of toxic smog blankets the city.
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025
AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 376, categorised as 'Very Poor', as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). pic.twitter.com/b4yOl7V8jH
Hotspots in the 'Severe' Zone Today
As of Saturday morning, the deterioration was most pronounced in industrial and traffic-heavy corridors. The primary pollutant remains Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which are trapped near the surface due to persistently low wind speeds and high moisture content.
#WATCH | Delhi | Visuals around Ghazipur area this morning as a layer of toxic smog blankets the city.
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025
AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 435, categorised as 'Severe', as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). pic.twitter.com/2x1IUbI8v3
According to data from pollution control agencies, areas that recorded AQI readings well above the 400-mark include:
| Area/Location | Status (AQI Range) | Estimated AQI Reading (Morning) |
| Wazirpur | Severe / Hazardous | 443 |
| Jahangirpuri | Severe / Hazardous | 439 |
| Vivek Vihar | Severe / Hazardous | 437 |
| Rohini | Severe / Hazardous | 434 |
| Anand Vihar | Severe / Hazardous | 434 |
| Ashok Vihar | Severe / Hazardous | 431 |
| Sonia Vihar | Severe / Hazardous | 427 |
| Bawana | Severe / Hazardous | 424 |
| Nehru Nagar | Severe / Hazardous | 421 |
| Patparganj | Severe / Hazardous | 419 |
| Punjabi Bagh | Severe / Hazardous | 416 |
| Mundka | Severe / Hazardous | 415 |
| Chandni Chowk | Severe / Hazardous | 412 |
| DU North Campus | Severe / Hazardous | 401 |
| Ghaziabad (NCR) | Severe / Hazardous | 422+ |
| Noida (NCR) | Severe / Hazardous | 422+ |
Note: AQI > 400 is classified as 'Severe' or 'Hazardous', posing a risk of respiratory illness even for healthy individuals with prolonged exposure.
#WATCH | Delhi: A thick layer of toxic smog blankets the national capital as the air quality continues to deteriorate.
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025
(Visuals from the India Gate) pic.twitter.com/2ECDikPf1k
Health Advisory and Outlook
The ongoing air crisis has prompted health officials to reiterate severe warnings:
- Limit Outdoor Exposure: All residents are strongly advised to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.
- Wear N95 Masks: Using high-quality N95 or N99 masks is crucial for protection when stepping outside.
- Use Air Purifiers: Air purifiers are recommended for indoor spaces, especially for the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
Meteorological conditions, including calm wind speeds and a likely temperature drop, suggest that the pollution is unlikely to disperse quickly. Experts forecast that the air quality will remain in the 'Very Poor' category throughout the weekend, with the possibility of the overall AQI pushing firmly into the 'Severe' zone.
