Delhi’s air quality deteriorates on Sunday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 261, reported as the highest level in more than 85 days. Multiple outlets describe conditions as falling into the “poor” category and note that the deterioration occurs alongside high temperatures, with one report adding that the “feels-like” temperature nears 45.7°C.
The Times of India reports that transnational dust is a key driver of the worsening air quality, linking the increase to long-range winds carrying dust from regions including Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan. The Commission for Air Quality Management is cited as attributing the spike to these long-range atmospheric conditions. In response, authorities reportedly do not invoke restrictions at this stage, and instead focus on dust-control measures.
Both accounts indicate the AQI peak occurs on Sunday and that conditions are expected to remain in the poor range for a period, improving only after the dust episode subsides.
