Pune, October 18, 2025: As the festive season lights up across India, a smoky haze may soon follow. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) has predicted a sharp rise in air pollution across several major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata. The air quality is expected to worsen rapidly around October 21, just as Diwali celebrations reach their peak.

According to IITM’s latest air quality forecast, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels will rise significantly due to a mix of weather conditions and festive activities. The burning of firecrackers, combined with cooler temperatures and slower wind speeds, will likely trap pollutants near the ground, making the air thick and hazy.

The forecast shows that PM2.5 levels could reach th

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