Delhi Air Pollution:  The air quality index (AQI) in New Delhi hit the red zone on Friday, October 18, with 293 AQI, according to statistics from aqi.in. Experts warn that the situation will deteriorate further, with the city's AQI anticipated to fall into the 'very bad' zone by Sunday, as weather conditions remain unfavourable for pollution dispersion.

On Thursday, numerous localities registered disturbing AQI values, including Mundka at 386, Jahangirpuri at 360, and Patparganj at 350, all falling into the 'very bad' category.

"Wind turned calm during the night, causing the accumulation of pollutants," said Mahesh Palawat, vice chairman of Skymet Meteorology.

Anand Vihar's AQI, which earlier this week recorded "severe" pollution, was not available. Questions about the missing data were not answered by the Central Pollution Control Board.

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The Decision Support System estimates that on Thursday, stubble burning contributed less than 1 degree of Delhi's PM2.5 levels.

However, at 12.25 percent, the city's transportation industry was the largest contributor, followed by emissions from neighbouring regions like Bulandshahr and Gautam Budh Nagar.

"The air quality is likely to be in the 'very poor' to 'poor' zone during the subsequent six days from October 20," the Air Quality Early Warning System stated, adding that conditions might worsen further due to further crop burning emissions.

As winter draws near, Delhi's air quality is becoming worse, according to Environment Minister Gopal Rai. Wazirpur has the highest recorded AQI.