Punjab Weather to Remain Stable for 4–5 Days; AQI Deteriorates to 149, Pollution Expected to Worsen After Diwali Fireworks

Published on: 20 Oct 2025 at 08:25 AM

Published by: Gill Bikram

Punjab Weather to Remain Stable for 4–5 Days; AQI Deteriorates to 149, Pollution Expected to Worsen After Diwali Fireworks

Date: Monday, October 20, 2025

Punjab is likely to witness stable weather conditions for the next four to five days, with no major fluctuations in temperature, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Most cities are expected to record temperatures between 16°C and 33°C, with dry conditions and light winds prevailing across the state.

However, the air quality has sharply deteriorated in several parts of Punjab. The state’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) currently stands at 149, which falls under the “poor” category. The PM2.5 level has reached 95 µg/m³, while PM10 is at 130 µg/m³, both exceeding safe limits and posing health risks, especially to children and the elderly.

Experts attribute the worsening pollution to stubble burning, vehicular emissions, industrial smoke, and open garbage burning. Environmental agencies warn that air quality may further decline after Diwali, when widespread bursting of firecrackers adds to the already toxic air.

City-Wise Air Quality in Punjab

City	Average AQI	Peak AQI
Amritsar	84	141
Bathinda	279	425
Jalandhar	129	322
Phagwara	100	251
Ludhiana	127	140
Mandi Gobindgarh	174	196
Patiala	106	137
Ropar (Rupnagar)	199	500

Between September 15 and October 18, Punjab recorded 241 incidents of stubble burning, a key contributor to the rise in particulate matter. Pollution levels are also being affected by crop residue burning across the border in Pakistan’s Punjab province, adding to the region’s smog problem.

Maximum Temperatures Recorded in Major Cities (°C)

City	Max Temperature (°C)
Amritsar	31.0
Ludhiana	31.9
Patiala	33.7
Pathankot	31.5
Bathinda	33.2
Mohali	33.9
Gurdaspur	31.0

Weather Forecast

Clear skies and sunny conditions are expected to continue in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala, and Mohali. Daytime temperatures will likely range between 18°C and 34°C, keeping the weather pleasant but the air unhealthy.

Meteorologists urge residents—especially those with respiratory conditions—to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, use N95 masks when outside, and refrain from burning waste or stubble to prevent further deterioration of Punjab’s air quality.