Delhi's air hits AQI 369 on Diwali eve, with 'severe' forecast for today and tomorrow
Sixteen of 59 monitoring stations were already in the severe band on Saturday, and experts warn some could cross 450 after tonight's fireworks.
- Average AQI: 369 (very poor)
- Severe stations: 16 of 59
- Full cracker ban from 9 Nov
Where things stand
Delhi's average air quality index was 369 on Saturday, in the 'very poor' band, with 16 of 59 stations in 'severe'. The worst reading was around 452 near IIT Delhi. One outlet reported a different figure of 391 earlier in the week, so numbers vary by source.
The Early Warning System expects 'severe' air on 8 and 9 November.
Crackers and rules
Limited green-cracker windows applied on 7 and 8 November, with a full ban returning on 9 November. Reports say unlicensed fireworks were still on sale in Old Delhi.
Experts warn the 24-hour reading could worsen after Diwali, as it did in past years despite 'green' crackers, with stubble fires adding to the load.
