Delhi’s air quality significantly improved to the ‘moderate’ category on Monday, thanks to record-breaking rainfall between Friday and Saturday. At 6 a.m. on Monday, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 183, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Understanding The AQI Levels
The CPCB categorizes AQI levels as follows:
- Good (0-50)
- Satisfactory (51-100)
- Moderate (101-200)
- Poor (201-300)
- Very Poor (301-400)
- Severe (401-450)
- Severe Plus (Above 450)
Out of 38 monitoring stations in Delhi, 23 reported AQI in the ‘moderate’ range. Notably, the station at IHBAS, Dilshad Garden, registered an AQI of 95, placing it in the ‘satisfactory’ category.
Sunday’s weather added to the relief, with the maximum temperature reaching 18°C, two degrees below normal. The minimum temperature, however, stood at 13°C, six degrees above the seasonal average, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Record Rainfall Sets New Benchmarks
Delhi experienced its highest single-day December rainfall in 101 years, with 41.2 mm recorded between Friday and Saturday. This exceeded the previous record for December 3, 1923, which stood at 75.7 mm. December 2024 is now ranked as the fifth-wettest December since records began in 1901.
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The IMD attributed this unusual weather to an active western disturbance interacting with easterly winds, which triggered widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across northwest and central India, including Delhi-NCR.
Despite the improvement, experts warn residents to remain vigilant. Winter air quality in Delhi often deteriorates due to factors like crop stubble burning in neighboring states, increased vehicular emissions, and the use of solid fuels for heating. Additionally, weather conditions such as low wind speed and high humidity can trap pollutants, causing AQI levels to spike.
While the recent rains brought much-needed relief, fluctuations in air quality could return as winter progresses. Residents are advised to monitor air quality levels closely and take necessary precautions to protect their health.
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