Dense smoke, AQI dangerous… Where did the smoke come from in Delhi and when will it end? Weather experts told the whole truth

New Delhi: There is thick smoke in the air these days in Delhi-NCR. It is spring season, the heat is increasing, but suddenly dense fog has troubled everyone. The sky remains hazy from morning till evening, distant things are not visible clearly and breathing becomes difficult. AQI level is reaching dangerous levels, due to which people’s health is at risk.

real cause of smog

According to weather experts, this haze is more due to natural dust than pollution. Mahesh Palawat, senior scientist at Skymet Weather, says that strong western winds are picking up a large amount of dust from Balochistan and Thar Desert of Pakistan and bringing it to Delhi-NCR. These areas are dry and strong winds blow sand and dust into the sky, which can spread for hundreds of kilometers.

Due to this dust the air becomes brown-grey and the visibility distance becomes very less. It looks like smog, but it is mostly made up of mineral dust, not smoke from factories or vehicles.

Its not likely to rain / snow oil or any toxic content in #Kashmir or #India. One should avoid any such news of Oil/Smoke plume traveling to India from Tehran.
A WD is approaching #Himalayas likely to bring light to moderate rains / snowfall over parts od #Kashmir &… pic.twitter.com/G6Op02hUKD

— Weatherman Navdeep Dahiya (@navdeepdahiya55) March 9, 2026

Rumors spreading on social media

Some people are claiming on social media that this haze has come from the refinery strike in Iran or ‘petrol rain’, but weather experts say this is wrong. Palawat says, "The smoke reaching so far from Iran and affecting Delhi does not match the direction of the weather." The real reason is the transport of desert dust, which is common in North India during this season.

AQI condition and effect on health

The AQI level in Delhi-NCR has reached above 200, at many places it is in the ‘unhealthy’ or ‘severe’ category. The levels of PM10 and PM2.5 have increased, causing eye irritation, cough and shortness of breath. Children, elderly and sick people are more affected. Due to fog throughout the day, visibility is low and traffic is also being affected.

How long will this situation last?

The good news is that this fog is not permanent. Experts say that when the direction and speed of the wind changes, the dust will settle down or move away. The situation is expected to improve in the next 1-2 days. Till then it will be beneficial to wear a mask, go out less and drink more water.