Delhi's AQI jumped from 65 to 216 in a day. Why pollution could still worsen

Delhi's air quality has taken a sharp turn for the worse, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) climbing to 216 at 10:31 am on October 17, according to AQI.in.

The reading falls in the platform's "Unhealthy" category, following a brief spell of cleaner air earlier in the 24-hour period.

The trend is particularly worrying as the capital moves towards winter, when changing weather conditions can make it harder for pollutants to disperse.

With no rain expected over the coming days, official forecasts suggest that pollution could remain a concern.

Commuters stand amidst water being sprayed to curb air pollution, in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)DELHI'S AIR BECAME CLEAN AND THEN TURNED DIRTYAQI.in's hourly graph, covering 10:31 am on October 16 to 10:31 am on October 17, shows pollution levels initially falling before making a steep comeback.