Updated: October 20, 2025 3:05 PM IST 
Diwali Weather Updates: The pollution levels in the national capital rose on Sunday, moving closer to the ‘very poor’ category just a day before Diwali. This major spike in the pollution levels has prompted the authorities to invoke GRAP-2 (Graded Response Action Plan) restrictions across the National Capital Region. These measures include curbs on construction activity, regulation of industrial emissions, and stricter enforcement of pollution control norms, aimed at reducing particulate matter ahead of the festive season. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that most of the Kerala districts are likely to witness moderate to heavy rainfall for the next few days. As per the weather department, along with heavy rainfall, the coastal districts are also set to witness thunderstorms and gusty winds. The continuous rainfall is expected to lead to flood-like situations in the low regions and waterlogging and power outages in some of the key cities. The IMD has advised the residents to follow the guidelines and limit their outings to avoid any inconveniences.
Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 33.3 degrees Celsius, 0.9 degrees above the season’s average, while the minimum temperature settled at 20.6 degrees Celsius, 2.2 degrees above normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The Supreme Court last week permitted the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali with certain conditions, an impact of which could be seen on the Air Quality Index of the city.
New Delhi experienced clear skies and sunny weather on October 20, 2025, with temperatures ranging between 25.4°C and 33.2°C. While the weather conditions remain pleasant, the city recorded severe air quality levels yesterday with an AQI of 322, which may persist into the morning hours.
Twelve preventive measures are undertaken to mitigate air pollution under Grap stage 2: Among them, stricter enforcement on restrictions related to diesel generator sets; restricting interstate buses (other than EVs/CNG/BS-VI diesel) from entering Delhi and enhancement of parking fees to discourage use of private transport are key.
Grap 2 kicks in: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) across Delhi-NCR as the city’s air quality slipped into the “very poor” category on Sunday. Grap 1 was imposed on October 14.
On Sunday, Diwali eve, Delhi’s air quality worsened further late at night, with 24 out of 38 monitoring stations recording pollution levels in the “very poor” category, while Anand Vihar entered the ‘severe’ zone with AQI readings crossing 400, according to CPCB data cited in a PTI news agency report.
Delhi AQI on Diwali eve: According to the CPCB data, Delhi’s AQI at 4 pm on Sunday stood at 296, in the “poor” category. By 10 pm, the AQI worsened to 306, entering the “very poor” category and the red zone.
The CPCB categorises an AQI between 0 and 50 under “good” category, 51 to 100 as “satisfactory”, 101 to 200 “moderate”, 201 to 300 “poor”, 301 to 400 “very poor”, and 401 to 500 “severe”.
Highlights from AQI data at 6 am on Monday
-Number of stations Above 400 AQI (Severe): 1
-Number of stations in ‘Very Poor’ category (301–400): 29
-Number of stations in ‘Poor’ category (201–300): 4
-Number of stations in ‘Moderate’ or better (0–200): 1
On Monday morning, the AQI of most of the stations was over 300 while that of Anand Vihar was 400-plus.
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