Delhi recorded marginal improvement in its air quality on Tuesday even as a cloud of volcanic ash from Ethiopia raised public concern about potential effects on the city&rsquo;s already deteriorated Air Quality Index (AQI).
At 8 am, Delhi&rsquo;s overall AQI stood at 362, categorized as "very poor" according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board&rsquo;s (CPCB) Sameer app. 
Of the 39 monitoring stations listed, all but one recorded AQI values below 400. 
Rohini reported the highest level at 416, while Mandir Marg recorded the lowest at 289. 
On Monday, the city&rsquo;s AQI at the same time was 382.
Meteorologists confirmed the presence of volcanic ash from Ethiopia&rsquo;s Hayli Gubbi volcano, which erupted after thousands of years, drifting over northwest India on Monday night. 
However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicated that the plume would have minimal effect on surface-level pollution.
IMD Director General M Mohapatra said the ash was present in &ldquo;upper-levels&rdquo;, adding that people are unlikely to experience significant changes at ground level. 
&ldquo;It will appear as a hazy, cloudy sky with its impact expected for a few hours, as it continues to move further eastwards,&rdquo; he said in an earlier statement.
Mohapatra further noted that any influence on weather patterns would likely be limited. 
&ldquo;Similar to clouds, the minimum will rise. It is unclear whether it will impact air quality, but any significant impact is unlikely as it is at higher levels," he said.
In Mumbai, air quality remained in the "moderate" category with an AQI of 178, slightly above Monday's reading of 174. 
Mazgaon recorded the highest local AQI at 276 ("very poor"), while Sion reported the cleanest air with an AQI of 80.

The Hayli Gubli volcano in Ethiopia erupted on Sunday after thousands of years, sending ash clouds towards the Indian subcontinent

Delhi AQI stays ‘very poor’ as volcanic ash cloud drifts over northwest India

Delhi AQI ‘Very Poor’ Amid Volcanic Ash Fears

Delhi AQI stays ‘very poor’ as volcanic ash cloud drifts over northwest India

November 25, 2025 | 09:57 IST