Rainfall and Winds Improve Delhi's Air Quality to 'Satisfactory' Level After Dussehra Celebrations

Delhi experienced a welcome improvement in air quality following Dussehra celebrations on Thursday, thanks to a beneficial combination of rainfall and steady winds.

The city's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) registered at 88 on Friday, placing it in the "satisfactory" category and breaking a 21-day streak of moderate or higher pollution levels.

This pattern mirrors a similar occurrence in 2022 when the AQI improved dramatically from 211 on Dussehra day to 79 the following day due to favorable weather conditions.

Historical data indicates that post-Dussehra pollution increases have been typical in Delhi. Last year saw the AQI jump from 155 to 224 the day after celebrations, while in 2023 it increased from 220 to 243.

The most severe recent post-Dussehra pollution was recorded on October 26, 2020, when the AQI reached 353, falling into the "very poor" category.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI values between zero and 50 are considered "good," 51 to 100 "satisfactory," 101 to 200 "moderate," 201 to 300 "poor," 301 to 400 "very poor," and 401 to 500 "severe."

Meteorology experts explained that morning rainfall, scattered evening showers, and consistent winds of approximately 15 km/h prevented the accumulation of pollutants in the atmosphere.

"Winter conditions haven't fully set in yet, and these weather patterns helped disperse pollutants effectively. Without the rain and winds, particulate matter levels would have been significantly higher," noted Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet Meteorology.

Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) monitoring data revealed temporary spikes in PM 2.5 levels at key monitoring stations on Thursday evening during the festivities.

On Friday, Delhi experienced partially cloudy skies without any recorded rainfall.

Temperature readings showed a maximum of 33.5 degrees Celsius, slightly below normal, while the minimum temperature was recorded at 23.7 degrees Celsius, according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD has forecast an approaching strong western disturbance over northwest India from October 4 to 8, with light showers expected in the capital on October 5, followed by light to moderate rainfall likely on October 6 and 7.

For Saturday, the weather office predicts partly cloudy conditions with minimum temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius and maximum temperatures near 35 degrees Celsius.