Delhi has recorded its cleanest air stretch of the year, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) staying below 100 for the 11th consecutive day, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
On Sunday, Delhi’s AQI stood at 76 at 4 pm, placing it firmly in the ‘satisfactory’ category.
The current spell of improved air began on June 26, when the index fell to 94 after registering a ‘moderate’ level of 134 the previous day. Since then, the capital’s air quality has consistently remained under the 100 mark, a threshold CPCB categorises as satisfactory.
This extended phase of cleaner air comes as a rare respite for a city frequently plagued by hazardous pollution levels, particularly in winter months.
Also read: Delhi Weather Today: Heavy rain lashes parts of National Capital amid IMD's yellow alert
Rain, cooler temperatures aid pollution dip
Contributing to the improved air quality is a mix of factors, including intermittent rainfall and relatively mild daytime temperatures.
On Sunday, areas like Palam saw maximum temperatures fall to 33.5°C — nearly four degrees below normal and three degrees lower than the previous day. At Safdarjung, the minimum temperature stood at 28.8°C, close to seasonal averages.
Humidity levels remained high across the city, touching 83% by evening.
Despite the moisture, the rain has played a cleansing role in the atmosphere. Ayanagar recorded 11.7 mm of rain in the 24-hour period ending Sunday morning. Palam saw the highest at 20.9 mm, while Safdarjung and Lodi Road received lighter showers.
More rain likely on Monday
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Monday, forecasting light to moderate rain with possible thunderstorms. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 33°C and 26°C, respectively.
If current conditions persist, Delhi may extend its clean air streak even further—an encouraging sign for residents and policymakers alike during what is typically a season of fluctuating environmental indicators.
On Sunday, Delhi’s AQI stood at 76 at 4 pm, placing it firmly in the ‘satisfactory’ category.
The current spell of improved air began on June 26, when the index fell to 94 after registering a ‘moderate’ level of 134 the previous day. Since then, the capital’s air quality has consistently remained under the 100 mark, a threshold CPCB categorises as satisfactory.
This extended phase of cleaner air comes as a rare respite for a city frequently plagued by hazardous pollution levels, particularly in winter months.
Also read: Delhi Weather Today: Heavy rain lashes parts of National Capital amid IMD's yellow alert
Rain, cooler temperatures aid pollution dip
Contributing to the improved air quality is a mix of factors, including intermittent rainfall and relatively mild daytime temperatures.
On Sunday, areas like Palam saw maximum temperatures fall to 33.5°C — nearly four degrees below normal and three degrees lower than the previous day. At Safdarjung, the minimum temperature stood at 28.8°C, close to seasonal averages.
Humidity levels remained high across the city, touching 83% by evening.
Despite the moisture, the rain has played a cleansing role in the atmosphere. Ayanagar recorded 11.7 mm of rain in the 24-hour period ending Sunday morning. Palam saw the highest at 20.9 mm, while Safdarjung and Lodi Road received lighter showers.
More rain likely on Monday
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Monday, forecasting light to moderate rain with possible thunderstorms. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 33°C and 26°C, respectively.
If current conditions persist, Delhi may extend its clean air streak even further—an encouraging sign for residents and policymakers alike during what is typically a season of fluctuating environmental indicators.
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