Delhi AQI today crossed 350 mark, here's how to check real-time air quality in your location using the Google app

Air Quality

Delhi’s AQI crossed 350 and entered the “severe” category across multiple locations in the days following Diwali, as the city remained under a thick layer of stagnant smog. Monitoring stations across the National Capital Region recorded air quality in the “very poor” to “hazardous” range, indicating high concentrations of fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs. Such levels have direct implications for people with respiratory or cardiac conditions and can trigger symptoms even in otherwise healthy individuals. With visibility reduced and pollutant levels climbing, routine activities like commuting, outdoor exercise, and school runs require reassessment, making real-time air quality checks essential for daily decision-making.

Pre-requisites
• Active internet connection
• Google app installed on the device
• Location permission enabled (for auto-detecting nearby air quality)

Steps to check AQI using the Google app

Step 1: Open the Google app on your Android or iPhone.
Step 2: Tap the search bar and type “AQI near me”, “Air quality”, or “Air quality in [city]”.
Step 3: Wait for the AQI card to appear at the top of the results page.
Step 4: Read the numeric AQI, color indicator, and health label shown on the card.
Step 5: Scroll below the card to view PM2.5 / PM10 data and short health guidance when available.

Alternate method: using Google Assistant (voice)
• Say “Hey Google, what’s the air quality in [location]?”
• Google Assistant will read the AQI aloud and show the same information on screen.

Things to keep in mind
• The AQI card updates regularly based on environmental monitoring sources.
• If location is disabled, results may show city-level estimates instead of exact locality data.
• You can search for any global location by typing the name directly.