Delhi records cleanest air of 2024 amid heavy rainfall
Delhi and its surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) have been experiencing continuous rainfall over the past few days, leading to widespread waterlogging and severe traffic congestion. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a "yellow alert" for the region on Saturday, indicating the likelihood of further showers throughout the day. This early September downpour has pushed Delhi's total rainfall beyond both its annual and seasonal averages, surpassing 1,000mm—significantly higher than usual levels.
Heavy rains lead to cleanest air quality in Delhi
The heavy rainfall has also resulted in improved air quality for Delhi residents. The Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped to 52 following the rain, marking the lowest level recorded this season and the cleanest air of 2024 so far. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the AQI was 45 on September 10, 2023.
Rainfall lowers temperature, increases humidity in Delhi
Following the rainfall, Delhi also recorded a maximum temperature of 27.6 degrees Celsius, six notches below normal. The weather department reported that relative humidity fluctuated between 100% and 96% during the day. For Saturday, the IMD has predicted a generally cloudy sky with very light to light rainfall. The capital's maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 32 and 21 degrees Celsius respectively.
Delhi breathed clean air for 128 days
The national capital breathed clean air for 128 days of the first half of 2024 (January-July), according to a Delhi government report. There were 20 "good days" (good/satisfactory/moderate days together) between August 1 and August 20, according to the report. An AQI between 0 and 50 is regarded "good," 51 and 100 "satisfactory," 101 and 200 "moderate," 201 and 300 "poor," 301 and 400 "very poor," and 401 and 500 "severe."
