Delhi Rains Bring Significant Air Quality Improvement
Heavy rainfall in Delhi has provided much-needed relief from toxic air pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping from "very poor" to "poor" levels on Wednesday morning. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Delhi reported an average AQI of 260 at 9:00 AM, a substantial improvement from yesterday's reading of 336.
Detailed AQI Analysis Across Monitoring Stations
Out of 39 air quality monitoring stations across the capital, the distribution showed:
- 6 stations registered "moderate" AQI levels
- 9 stations recorded "very poor" air quality
- The remaining stations fell into the "poor" category
This improvement comes as welcome news for Delhi residents who have been grappling with hazardous air pollution levels throughout the winter season.
IMD Weather Forecast and Temperature Predictions
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued detailed weather predictions for Delhi and surrounding regions. For January 28, the forecast indicates:
- Generally cloudy sky conditions
- Shallow to moderate fog during morning hours
- Maximum temperatures expected between 17°C to 19°C
- Minimum temperatures likely to range from 11°C to 13°C
Notably, the IMD predicts that minimum temperatures will remain above normal by 1.6°C to 3.0°C, while maximum temperatures will be appreciably below normal by -3.1°C to -5.0°C over Delhi.
Upcoming Weather Patterns and Alerts
The weather office has forecast fresh showers on February 1 and issued a yellow alert warning for the same day. Additionally, the IMD has warned of dense fog conditions likely to persist in isolated pockets over several regions until January 30, including:
- Himachal Pradesh
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Chandigarh
- Delhi
According to meteorological predictions, a fresh Western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from the night of January 30. While Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh continue to experience cold wave conditions, Delhi residents can expect a fall in minimum temperature by approximately 5 to 6 degrees Celsius until January 30.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Delhi
The IMD has provided a comprehensive weather forecast for the coming days:
- Cloudy sky conditions expected on most days
- Partly cloudy weather likely on January 29 and 31
- Shallow to moderate fog probable during morning hours from January 29 to February 2, 2026
The weather department has specifically highlighted that low visibility conditions are expected until Friday during both morning and night hours, urging residents to exercise caution while traveling.
Regional Weather Impact and Broader Implications
The improvement in Delhi's air quality following the rainfall demonstrates the significant impact weather patterns can have on pollution levels in urban areas. As northwest India prepares for another Western disturbance, meteorological conditions continue to play a crucial role in determining both air quality and temperature patterns across the region.
Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and take necessary precautions during periods of reduced visibility and changing temperature conditions.
