Lucknow Air Turns Toxic as Dense Haze Pushes AQI Into Red and Orange Zones

Lucknow’s air quality has sharply worsened due to dense haze and rising winter cold, pushing several areas into red and orange AQI zones. Tal Katora recorded very poor air, while Lalbagh and Aliganj stayed in the orange zone. The situation has made breathing difficult, especially for children, elderly, and people with lung issues.

Why Lucknow’s Air Quality Suddenly Dropped

With winter deepening, fog and haze have settled over the city. This traps pollutants close to the ground. Vehicles, dust, and local emissions stay stuck in the air. Wind movement has also been weak, which made things worse.

Experts say this is a common winter pattern. When air becomes still, pollution does not disperse. Instead, it builds up slowly and quietly. Many people only realise it when their eyes burn or breathing feels heavy.

Areas Worst Affected by Rising Pollution Levels

Tal Katora recorded an AQI of 318, which falls in the red zone and is considered very poor. This level is risky even for healthy people if exposure continues. Lalbagh saw an AQI of 244, while Aliganj reached 219, both placed in the orange zone.

Gomti Nagar, BBAU, and Kukrail stayed in the moderate range, but experts warn that these areas can also worsen quickly if weather conditions do not improve. Pollution does not stay fixed, it shifts with wind.

What Red and Orange AQI Zones Mean for Health

Red zone air is dangerous. It can cause breathing trouble, chest tightness, and fatigue. People with asthma or heart problems face higher risk. Even short exposure may cause discomfort.

Orange zone air is also unsafe for sensitive groups. Children, pregnant women, and elderly should avoid long outdoor activity. Morning walks during heavy haze can do more harm than good, many people still ignore this.

Weather Change Expected to Bring Some Relief

According to regional weather experts, a change in wind direction is expected. Easterly winds are likely to slow down, and western winds may return. This can help move polluted air away and reduce fog density.

However, the same change will also increase cold and chill during mornings and nights. Temperatures are expected to dip further. Pollution may reduce slightly, but winter discomfort will increase.

Temperature Trend Adds to the Problem

On Sunday, the maximum temperature was recorded at 25.4 degrees Celsius, with a slight rise. The minimum temperature stayed around 10.5 degrees Celsius. Cold nights and calm air together create perfect conditions for pollution buildup.

As nights get colder, fog becomes thicker. This cycle often continues till strong winds or rain breaks it. Until then, air quality remains unstable.

How Residents Are Feeling the Impact

Many residents complain of throat irritation and watery eyes. Morning visibility has dropped in several areas. Schools and offices see people wearing masks again, not due to illness but pollution.

Doctors advise caution. Simple symptoms can turn serious if ignored. Pollution-related sickness increases during such periods, especially in cities with dense traffic.

What You Can Do to Stay Safe Right Now

Staying indoors during early morning and late evening hours helps. Keeping windows closed when haze is thick reduces indoor pollution. Drinking warm fluids and avoiding outdoor exercise on bad AQI days is important.

Masks can help but only if they are proper pollution-grade masks. Normal cloth masks offer limited protection. Parents should be extra careful with children playing outside.

Why Lucknow Faces This Every Winter

Lucknow’s geography and growing population add to the problem. Construction dust, vehicles, and seasonal burning nearby contribute silently. Winter weather simply exposes these issues more clearly.

Until long-term pollution control improves, winter air quality will continue to fluctuate. Short-term relief depends mostly on wind and weather, not instant solutions.

What to Expect in the Coming Days

Air quality may improve slightly with changing winds, but cold and fog will stay. Red zones can turn orange, and orange can turn moderate, but only temporarily. Residents should stay alert and follow daily AQI updates.

Lucknow’s winter has just begun. Watching air quality along with temperature will be necessary for staying healthy during the coming weeks.