Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) improved slightly to 223 on Friday, October 23, but air quality was still in the ‘poor’ category and was expected to remain poor through October 25, according to Business Standard’s report citing weather agencies.
The report says the capital recorded its first ‘poor’ air-quality day of the season earlier in the week. An AQI reading of 223 indicates pollution levels that can cause breathing discomfort to sensitive people and may affect some otherwise healthy individuals, particularly with prolonged exposure.
Practical precautions
Residents can reduce exposure by checking current readings before outdoor exercise, limiting strenuous activity near busy roads when pollution is high, and following advice from local health authorities. People with asthma or other respiratory and heart conditions should follow their clinician’s guidance and keep prescribed medicines available.
A citywide AQI is a snapshot and can vary by monitoring station and time of day. Forecasts can change with wind, temperature and other weather conditions, so readers should check live readings and official updates rather than rely on one number.
Source
Business Standard, October 23, 2026. Read the report. Official air-quality portal: Central Pollution Control Board.
