**Why Delhi’s Air Quality May Become ‘Poor’ Starting Wednesday**
*By Snehil Singh | October 13, 2025, 8:30 PM*
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a decline in Delhi’s air quality as the winter season approaches. The city’s air quality is expected to remain in the “moderate” category on October 13 and 14, before slipping into the “poor” category for nearly a week starting October 15.
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: Slight Increase in Stubble Burning
Delhi’s air quality saw a slight improvement on Sunday, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 167 from 199 on Saturday. This improvement was aided by steady winds blowing at 10-15 km/h.
However, stubble burning, a significant contributor to pollution, increased slightly — its share rose from 0.4% on Saturday to 0.8% on Sunday. The Ministry of Earth Sciences’ Early Warning System also predicts moderate air quality for October 13-14 and poor conditions beginning October 15.
### Factors Behind the Pollution Spike
Delhi’s air quality typically worsens in October due to several factors:
– Retreating monsoon rains
– Cooler temperatures
– Stubble burning in neighboring states Punjab and Haryana
– Festive fireworks
Additionally, slower winds and cooler weather create a “temperature inversion,” a condition that traps pollutants close to the ground. Smoke carried by north-westerly winds from Punjab and Haryana further aggravates pollution levels.
On Sunday, vehicles were the largest contributors to PM2.5 pollution, accounting for 19.8%, followed by emissions from Sonipat (9.2%) and Jhajjar (5.1%).
### Seasonal Impact and Weather Forecast
The IMD has forecast clear skies and cool northwesterly winds over the coming days, with maximum temperatures expected to rise to 34°C by Wednesday.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa highlighted the progress Delhi has made this year, noting that the city recorded 199 days with AQI below 200 — nearly double the number in 2016. He described this as a sign of “real improvement on the ground.”
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As winter approaches, residents are advised to remain cautious and take necessary precautions to minimize exposure to deteriorating air quality.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/delhi-air-quality-to-turn-poor-from-wednesday/story