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Delhi-NCR Braces for Winter Rain, AQI Slips Back to 'Poor' Category

Delhi-NCR is preparing for a spell of winter rain and thunderstorms after the India Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert for the region. This comes as the city's air quality, which had briefly improved, has deteriorated back into the 'poor' category with an AQI of 281. Several areas, including Rohini and Anand Vihar, recorded AQI levels above 360, classified as 'very poor'. While cold conditions persist, the forecast predicts rain and gusty winds which may temporarily impact both weather and pollution levels.

Key Points: Delhi AQI Worsens as IMD Issues Rain Alert

  • AQI back in 'poor' category
  • IMD yellow alert for rain & thunderstorms
  • Anand Vihar AQI at 368
  • GRAP Stage III measures revoked
2 min read

Delhi-NCR braces for winter rain spell, AQI in poor category

Delhi-NCR air quality deteriorates to 'poor' levels despite recent rain. IMD issues yellow alert for thunderstorms and gusty winds on Tuesday.

"The IMD had issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms, with rainfall expected on Tuesday, followed by warnings of gusty winds across the region."

New Delhi, Jan 27

Delhi-NCR is bracing for a wet spell on Tuesday, with the India Meteorological Department issuing a yellow alert for rain and thunderstorms across the region.

After a brief spell of cleaner air, pollution levels have worsened again, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 281 at 7.30 a.m., placing it in the 'poor' category.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), several areas in the national capital recorded alarming pollution levels. Anand Vihar reported an AQI of 368, followed by Rohini at 370, Bawana at 344, Sonia Vihar at 337, Chandni Chowk at 325, DTU at 322, ITO at 321, Patparganj at 317, Dwarka Sector-8 at 314, North Campus at 291, and Narela at 288.

Delhi experienced a cold Republic Day morning on Monday, with temperatures gradually rising during the day. However, air quality deteriorated and slipped into the 'poor' category. The IMD had issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms, with rainfall expected on Tuesday, followed by warnings of gusty winds across the region.

Earlier, Delhi witnessed a marked improvement in air quality after winter rain on Sunday. The AQI was recorded at 150, placing it in the 'moderate' category, according to the CPCB. While the rainfall added to the city's chilly conditions, it provided much-needed relief from persistent pollution levels.

As per AQI classification, a reading between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe'.

Meanwhile, the Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) under the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked all Stage III measures across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect on January 22, citing improved air quality and favourable weather forecasts.

On Monday, temperatures continued to rise gradually, while the 24-hour average AQI settled at 241, remaining in the 'poor' category, according to IMD data. The weather department has warned of rain, thunderstorms, lightning and hail on Tuesday, with wind speeds expected to reach 40-50 kmph and gusts up to 60 kmph.

Temperatures across Delhi on Monday evening showed mixed trends, with relatively warmer days but persistently cold nights.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Living in Rohini, and seeing the AQI at 370 is genuinely scary. My son's asthma has been acting up again. We're hoping this predicted rain and strong winds actually materialize and clear the air properly this time. Fingers crossed! 🤞
D
David E
As someone who moved here for work, the air quality is a constant concern. The data shows the problem is systemic—Anand Vihar, Rohini, Bawana consistently high. Rain is a temporary fix. Where is the enforcement on waste burning and construction dust? The authorities need to be held accountable.
A
Aman W
Chalo, at least some rain is coming. It will settle the dust and make the weather pleasant for a day or two. But yeh cycle har saal ka hai – pollution, some rain, slight relief, then back to square one. Permanent solution ki kab sochenge?
S
Shreya B
The cold plus pollution is a horrible combination. My morning walks have stopped completely. It's sad that we have to wait for the weather to save us from our own mess. Hope the wind speed of 50-60 kmph forecasted helps more than the drizzle.
M
Michael C
The article mentions the AQI improved to 150 (moderate) after rain. That's still not "good" by global standards, but here we celebrate it. It shows how normalized poor air has become. We need to raise our expectations for public health.

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