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Delhi AQI Reaches 442 Amid Toxic Haze Relapse in December 2024
Delhi's air quality worsened to AQI 442 on December 18, 2024, entering severe plus category with thick toxic haze, prompting GRAP Stage IV measures after earlier peaks in November.
Why It Matters
Severe air pollution threatens public health, especially vulnerable groups, disrupts daily life, and triggers emergency restrictions under GRAP to curb emissions.
Timeline
6 Events
Air Quality Expected to Persist
December 19, 2024
AQI expected to remain severe; yellow alert for moderate to dense fog issued.[1]
AQI Peaks at 442
December 18, 2024
AQI reached 442, severe plus category per CPCB, with thick toxic haze blanketing city; worst in nearly a month since November 19 AQI 460.[1]
GRAP Stage IV Reimposed
December 16, 2024
By 4 PM, 24-hour average AQI reached 379; by 10 PM crossed 400, triggering reimposition of GRAP Stage IV restrictions.[1]
GRAP Stage III Enforced
December 16, 2024
GRAP Stage III enforced as AQI hovered above 300 due to calm winds and low mixing height.[1]
AQI Hits 440 at 7 AM
Monday (context November 2024)
Delhi's AQI recorded at 440 at 7 AM amid hazardous toxic haze and GRAP Stage IV activation as AQI exceeded 450.[2]
Worst AQI of Season Recorded
November 18, 2024
Delhi recorded its worst air quality of the season with 24-hour AQI of 491, classified as severe plus.[3]