World · India Bureau
Delhi air quality improves to moderate after overnight rainfall
Overnight rain and thunderstorms brought relief to Delhi-NCR on Sunday, with the air quality index dropping to 167 and entering the moderate category. Further showers are expected throughout the day, potentially providing additional respite from poor air conditions.
LSN India ·
Delhi's air quality showed marked improvement Sunday morning following overnight precipitation that swept across the national capital region. The air quality index stood at 167, moving the city out of the poor category and into the moderate range, a significant shift from the hazardous levels that have plagued the region in recent weeks.
The overnight weather system brought rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds to Delhi-NCR, creating cooler conditions that aided the dispersal of pollutants. Meteorological officials indicated that moisture-laden winds associated with the system helped break the temperature inversion layer that typically traps pollution near the ground during winter months.
Weather forecasters predicted continued precipitation throughout Sunday, with additional showers likely to sweep the region during the day. Such rainfall is expected to further suppress air pollutant concentrations and maintain the improved air quality levels, offering residents continued respite from the dense haze that has characterized recent mornings.
The improvement comes as authorities in the capital continue implementing various measures to combat winter air pollution, including construction curbs and vehicle restrictions. Meteorologists have noted that December-January typically sees Delhi's poorest air quality due to weather patterns that trap pollutants, making rainfall events particularly significant during this period.