Delhi faced a serious air pollution crisis on Sunday, December 14, 2025. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to 459, entering the 'severe' range, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). A thick layer of smog blanketed the city overnight, making it hard for people to breathe. According to the CPCB, AQI readings are classified as: 0-50 (good), 51-100 (satisfactory), 101-200 (moderate), 201-300 (poor), 301-400 (very poor), and 401-500 (severe). Temperatures in Delhi ranged from a low of 8.2 degrees Celsius, slightly below the seasonal average, to a maximum near 24 degrees Celsius. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded 100 per cent humidity at 8:30 am. In response to the severe pollution, the Delhi Directorate of Education ordered all schools to conduct classes in a hybrid mode for students up to Class IX and XI. Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage-IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) immediately. These steps aim to control and reduce the worsening air pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).