Hyderabad experienced severe air pollution on January 1, 2026, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 339 at midnight and peaking at 353 at 6 a.m., categorized as 'severe'. Particulate matter levels for PM 2.5 and PM 10 significantly exceeded WHO guidelines. While some locations recorded AQI over 300, the lowest AQI for the day was 230, still in the 'poor' category. Heavy firecracker use during New Year's Eve celebrations is cited as a primary cause.