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Rain and Winds Clear Delhi's Toxic Smog, AQI Improves to Moderate

Delhi-NCR's air quality significantly improved over the weekend, recording a 'moderate' AQI of 152 for the first time in weeks. This improvement is attributed to the highest single-day January rainfall in three years combined with strong north-westerly winds that dispersed pollutants. The India Meteorological Department forecasts continued cold wave conditions and has issued a yellow alert for more rain and thunderstorms. While providing a temporary respite, authorities warn that pollution levels could spike again if dry conditions return.

Key Points: Delhi Air Quality Improves to Moderate After Rain, Winds

  • AQI drops to 152
  • Highest Jan rain in 3 years
  • Winds disperse pollutants
  • Cold wave returns to North India
  • IMD issues yellow alert for more rain
2 min read

Rain, winds clear Delhi's air, AQI improves to moderate category

Delhi's AQI improves to 'moderate' after rain and strong winds clear pollutants. CPCB data shows significant drop, but IMD warns of possible future spikes.

"The combination of these weather events helped sweep away toxic smog and pollutants that had lingered over the region for weeks."

New Delhi, Jan 25

Delhi-National Capital Region experienced a significant improvement in air quality over the weekend, thanks to rain, the highest single-day shower in January in three years, and strong winds on Saturday.

The combination of these weather events helped sweep away toxic smog and pollutants that had lingered over the region for weeks.

On Sunday morning, the capital's AQI settled at 152, marking the first time in weeks that Delhi recorded a 'moderate' air quality level, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) SAMEER app at 6.05 a.m.

Earlier on Saturday, the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 192, placing it in the 'moderate' category at 4 p.m. By 10 p.m., the AQI had improved further to 163, as gusty winds continued to disperse airborne pollutants.

Almost all areas of the city reported moderate air quality, though a few pockets still recorded 'poor' AQI levels. Only one area of Delhi, NSIT Dwarka, fell into the below 100 AQI range, indicating relatively cleaner air. Authorities said the improvement is largely attributable to the combined effects of rainfall and strong north-westerly winds that have swept across the plains.

Cold wave conditions have returned to North India, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast minimum temperatures in the national capital to hover between 4 and 6 degrees Celsius.

Nighttime temperatures are expected to remain low until Tuesday, when the mercury may rise slightly to 8-10 degrees Celsius. Maximum temperatures over the next few days are expected to settle between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius.

The IMD has also issued a yellow alert for another spell of rain and thunderstorms in Delhi, warning residents to remain cautious. Meteorologists noted that while air quality has improved temporarily, the city may again face pollution spikes if dry conditions return after the rainfall.

With the weekend weather, Delhi breathed easier, providing a temporary respite from weeks of smog, but authorities emphasised that continued monitoring and pollution control measures remain critical to sustaining cleaner air.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great news, but it's just a temporary fix. The moment the winds stop and the dry winter sets back in, the AQI will shoot up again. The government needs a long-term, year-round plan, not just emergency measures when it becomes a crisis.
A
Arjun K
Finally some good air to breathe! Took my son to the park yesterday evening and it felt so good. Hope the authorities use this window to implement some of the GRAP measures more effectively before the pollution creeps back.
S
Sarah B
As someone who moved to Delhi for work, the air quality has been my biggest health concern. This weekend was a blessing. But the article is right – it's a temporary respite. The underlying issues with vehicular emissions and industrial pollution in the NCR are still there.
V
Vikram M
Moderate is good, but let's not celebrate too much. 152 AQI is still not 'good' air by any global standard. It's just less terrible. The real challenge is to get it consistently below 50. That needs political will across state borders.
M
Meera T
The cold wave is back with a vengeance though! Swapped smog for a serious chill. My electricity bill is going to be scary this month with the heaters running. Can we ever have a perfect Delhi winter? 😅

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