Delhi Breathes Easier as AQI Drops Below 100 After Three Years

In a welcome development for residents, Delhi has recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) below 100 in May for the first time in three years. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), several areas across the city reported air quality in the “Satisfactory” category, marking a significant improvement compared to recent years.

The AQI in the first week of May ranged between 80 and 95, a notable shift from previous trends where pollution levels typically remained higher during this period. This improvement is being attributed to recent light rainfall, strong winds, and favorable weather conditions that helped disperse pollutants across the Delhi-NCR region.

For reference, AQI levels are categorized as follows:

0–50 (Good), 51–100 (Satisfactory), 101–200 (Moderate), 201–300 (Poor), 301–400 (Very Poor), and 401–500 (Severe). The current readings place Delhi comfortably in a healthier range than usual for this time of year.

Weather experts say the rainfall across North India has also contributed to a noticeable drop in temperatures. Meteorologist Mahesh Palawat noted that the maximum temperature in Delhi has fallen significantly and is expected to remain below normal for the next few days.

According to the India Meteorological Department, the Safdarjung observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 32.2°C—about 7.1 degrees below normal. The minimum temperature dropped to 18.8°C, nearly 5.9 degrees lower than average. Other areas also reported cooler conditions, with Palam at 17.9°C and the Ridge at 18°C.

The improved weather has brought much-needed relief to Delhi residents who were bracing for intense summer heat in May. Instead, the recent showers have made the climate more pleasant, even though rainfall remained relatively light during the day.

Between Sunday night and Monday morning (8:30 AM), Safdarjung and Palam recorded 5.7 mm of rainfall. Ayanagar received the highest rainfall at 13 mm, while Lodhi Road and the Ridge recorded around 4 mm.

While this improvement offers a temporary respite, experts caution that sustained efforts are needed to maintain cleaner air levels in the long term. For now, however, Delhiites are enjoying a rare spell of fresh air and cooler temperatures.

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