Most cities are witnessing poor to very unhealthy air quality, with major urban centres logging unhealthy pollution levels.

Cities including Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Pune, Lucknow, Gurugram and Udaipur reported AQI above 200 in the late afternoon, prompting health warnings.

Residents, especially children and elderly, are advised to limit outdoor activities, wear masks and keep windows closed.

Improvement depends on weather changes and major emission reduction efforts.