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Delhi Air Quality Turns 'Poor' Again, Rohini Records Highest AQI at 372

Delhi's air quality fell into the 'Poor' category on Saturday, with Rohini recording the highest Air Quality Index at 372. This comes after a day of relatively better 'moderate' air quality across the city. An analysis shows this February has been Delhi's worst for air pollution in three years, with an average AQI of 234. The month has also been unusually warm, with experts attributing the conditions to a lack of rainfall and active western disturbances.

Key Points: Delhi Air Quality Poor, Rohini AQI Hits 372 | February Warmest in 3 Years

  • Rohini records highest AQI of 372
  • February 2026 is worst for air in 3 years
  • Month also the warmest in three years
  • Experts blame lack of rainfall, western disturbances
2 min read

Delhi's air quality remains in 'Poor' category, Rohini records highest AQI at 372

Delhi's air quality deteriorates to 'Poor' category with Rohini AQI at 372. February sees worst air in 3 years and warmest temperatures.

"Delhi has registered its poorest February air quality in three years - Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air"

New Delhi, Feb 28

Delhi's air quality fell into the 'poor' category on Saturday, with Rohini recording the highest Air Quality Index of 372, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board. Residents woke up to a misty and unusually warm morning, as pollution levels continued to remain a concern across several parts of the national Capital.

As per CPCB data, several monitoring stations reported alarming AQI levels. Anand Vihar recorded 332, Ashok Vihar 237, Bawana 244, Chandni Chowk 276, DTU 193, Dwarka Sector-8 303, IGI Airport 229, IIT Delhi 190, ITO 126, Narela 229, Nehru Nagar 246, Patparganj 230, Pusa 209, Rohini 372, Shadipur 311, Vivek Vihar 232, and Wazirpur 297.

This comes a day after Delhi had witnessed relatively better air quality. On Friday, the overall AQI stood at 186 at 9 a.m., placing the city in the 'moderate' category. Out of the 39 monitoring stations across the city, 24 recorded air quality in the 'moderate' range, while 14 stations reported 'poor' levels. Data from the ITO monitoring station was unavailable at that time.

Despite intermittent improvements, February has largely remained polluted. The capital recorded 20 'poor' air quality days and two 'very poor' days this month. According to an analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Delhi has registered its poorest February air quality in three years, with the average AQI reaching 234 till February 26.

The data showed that February 2026 has been the worst since 2023, when the monthly average AQI was 237. In comparison, the average AQI in February stood at 218 in 2024 and 214 in 2025, while it was 225 in 2022.

In addition to high pollution levels, this February has also been the warmest in the past three years. The mean maximum temperature for the month was 27 degrees Celsius, which is 2.8 degrees above the long-period average of 24.2 degrees Celsius. On Friday, the mercury settled at 31.9 degrees Celsius, six degrees above normal, marking the warmest day of the season so far.

Experts attributed the warmer conditions to the absence of active western disturbances, resulting in clear skies and higher daytime temperatures. The city recorded only 0.5 mm of very light rainfall this month against the normal 21.3 mm. With no significant rainfall activity, pollutants remained suspended in the atmosphere.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast mainly clear skies, turning partly cloudy by afternoon, with mist likely at night. While mornings and evenings remain relatively pleasant, rising daytime temperatures indicate an early transition to pre-summer conditions across the National Capital Region.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Living in Rohini, and yes, it feels terrible today. The air is heavy and you can literally see the haze. Combine this with the unseasonal heat, and it's just miserable. The authorities need to be more aggressive with pollution control, especially on construction and vehicle emissions in our area.
A
Aman W
The link with the weather is clear. No rain, no wind to clear the air, and all the dust and pollution just sits over the city. While I appreciate the government's efforts, I feel the public awareness campaigns have slowed down. We need constant reminders for people to use public transport and report violations.
S
Sarah B
As an expat living in Delhi, the air quality is a constant topic of concern among our community. We invest in expensive air purifiers for our homes, but what about when we step outside? The health impact on children and the elderly must be the top priority. The data doesn't lie – the trend is worrying. 😟
V
Vikram M
It's a complex issue. Yes, local factors matter, but we can't ignore stubble burning in neighboring states during other seasons. The solution has to be regional. Also, the early heat is a nightmare. Feels like we skipped spring and jumped straight to a polluted summer. AC bills are going to be brutal this year.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while the article is informative, it misses the citizen's role. We complain but how many of us have reduced personal vehicle use? I've started using the Metro for my daily commute from Noida, and it's made a difference for me. Change has to start at an individual level too.

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