Delhi breathes easier as air quality improves to moderate following record December rainfall

New Delhi: Delhi's air quality has shown a significant improvement, moving into the 'moderate' category on Monday morning, thanks to the unprecedented rainfall that hit the city over the weekend. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded around 6 AM was 183, indicating a shift from the previous day's poor conditions. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI reading between 0 and 50 is classified as "good," while readings of 51-100 are "satisfactory," and those between 101-200 fall into the "moderate" category.

Monitoring Stations Report Moderate AQI Levels

Data from the Sameer app, which provides hourly updates on the National Air Quality Index, revealed that out of 38 monitoring stations across the city, 23 reported AQI levels in the moderate range. Notably, one station located at IHBAS in Dilshad Garden recorded a satisfactory AQI of 95. This marked improvement in air quality follows a day when Delhi experienced a maximum temperature of 18 degrees Celsius, two degrees below normal, and a minimum temperature of 13 degrees Celsius, which was six degrees above average for this time of year.

Rainfall Breaks Historical Records

The recent rainfall has not only improved air quality but also set records for December. Between Friday and Saturday, Delhi witnessed its highest single-day December rainfall in over a century, with a staggering 41.2 mm recorded within a 24-hour period. This event is particularly noteworthy as it surpasses previous records; the highest single-day rainfall in December was documented on December 3, 1923, at 75.7 mm.

According to officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), December 2024 has now become the fifth wettest since records began in 1901. The rainfall was attributed to an active western disturbance interacting with easterly winds, resulting in thunderstorms and significant precipitation across northwest and central India, including Delhi-NCR.

The recent weather patterns have not only alleviated air pollution levels in Delhi but have also contributed to historical rainfall records for the month of December. As residents breathe easier with improved air quality, they can also reflect on the remarkable weather changes that have taken place.