Every year, Delhi and northern states battle hazardous air during the winter months of October to January due to plummeting temperatures, smoke, dust, low wind speed, vehicular emissions and crop stubble burning. This time, experts say that the condition is likely to get worse in the coming days.

As of Thursday morning, the AQI in several areas of Delhi breached the 400 mark, which falls under the severe category.

Air pollution in India's national capital increased to 'severe' on an official index on Wednesday for the first time this season as temperatures and wind speeds dropped, reducing visibility and affecting some flights.

Delhi typically sees a spike in air pollution during the festive season starting in October. After Dussehra celebrations in the second week of October, Delhi’s Air Quality Index

The AQI in Vasant Vihar's C Block area was 1,336 at 11.55 am, as per Swiss air quality monitor IQAir. An AQI above 300 is considered 'hazardous' for humans.