New Delhi is under a red alert as dense fog and hazardous air quality have combined to create dangerous conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued the alert, with visibility drastically reduced and air pollution reaching "severe" levels.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) has soared past 400, firmly placing Delhi in the "severe" category as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). On December 28, 2025, the 24-hour average AQI was 390, already classified as "very poor". An AQI between 401 and 500 is considered "severe" and poses serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses. Areas such as Anand Vihar, Bawana, Jahangirpuri, Rohini, and Vivek Vihar are experiencing particularly intense air pollution. On December 28, 2025, Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI at 457. As of December 29, 2025, Vivek Vihar recorded an AQI of 458.
The severe air quality is coupled with dense fog, causing near-zero visibility in many parts of the city. The IMD issued a red alert for very dense fog, advising residents to drive cautiously, use fog lights, avoid unnecessary travel, and cover their faces when outdoors. Visibility at Delhi Airport fell to around 125 meters, with runway visibility between 100 and 150 meters, leading to flight delays and cancellations. Over 120 flights were canceled, and airlines have warned of continued disruptions due to the weather conditions. Rail services have also been significantly affected, with over 100 trains running behind schedule due to reduced visibility.
The current conditions mark the worst December air quality in Delhi since 2018. The average AQI for December this year is 349, even though stubble burning contributed only 3.5% to PM2.5 pollution. In December 2018, the average AQI was 360. The city has recorded "severe" air quality on five days this month.
The meteorological department had issued an orange alert for dense fog on December 29, 2025, with temperatures expected to range between 7 and 22 degrees Celsius. The overall air quality is expected to remain in the "very poor" to "severe" category in the coming days. The government has implemented measures to tackle air pollution, including issuing challans for vehicular pollution and inspecting construction sites.
