A day after Diwali, on October 21, many Delhi–NCR residents believed that the air was less polluted compared to last year's. Then they saw the Air Quality Index (AQI) data, and were left shocked. Pollution levels this year were at a five-year-high , with Delhi air ranked as India's most polluted that morning.

But not all felt the same. Accounts from people across the National Capital Region (NCR) pointed at varied perceptions of post-Diwali air quality compared to last year's. The opinions were primarily based on visibility and the smog intensity.

But if pollution was at its peak, how did some believe it wasn't as bad?

This is likely because of several factors, such as temperature, wind speed, and humidity, that can influence how air pollution appears to the naked eye. Nonetheless,

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