- Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has remained in the ‘satisfactory’ range for 11 consecutive days—its longest clean-air streak this year.
- Consistent rainfall, wind activity, and seasonal interventions like fuel bans are helping control pollution levels.
- Weather conditions are stable, with IMD forecasts suggesting continued rainfall and moderate temperatures.
Breathing Room: How Rain and Policy Delivered a Pollution Pause
For a city known globally for its winter smog and summer dust storms, Delhi’s clean-air streak is both rare and welcome. On Sunday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 76, firmly in the ‘satisfactory’ zone as per CPCB standards. This marks the 11th consecutive day the capital has remained below the 100-AQI threshold, a level last breached on June 25, when the index was 134 (‘moderate’ category). The dip began on June 26, when showers pulled the AQI down to 94.
Several factors contributed to this streak. First, the onset of moderate rainfall across multiple city zones has played a critical role in settling airborne pollutants. Palam recorded the highest 24-hour rainfall of 20.9 mm, followed by Ayanagar with 11.7 mm. Second, cooler surface temperatures and high relative humidity (83%) have prevented the build-up of particulate matter. And finally, stringent enforcement of Stage-I GRAP measures and fuel bans on overage vehicles—which began July 1—have reduced vehicular emissions across NCR.
Together, these elements have created an unusual, albeit temporary, breathing room for Delhiites. But how sustainable is it?
STORY | Delhi air remain cleanest for 11 days in a row; light to moderate rain predicted on Monday
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 6, 2025
READ: https://t.co/rV3IBcvQO5 pic.twitter.com/ED3aaQZOoW
Rainfall, Temperature, and What Lies Ahead for Delhi Weather
- IMD reported a maximum temperature of 35°C in Safdarjung and 33.5°C in Palam—both within or below seasonal norms.
- Nighttime lows hovered around 28.8°C in central areas; overall humidity reached 83%.
- Yellow alert issued for Monday: light to moderate rain and thunder expected citywide.
Despite the better AQI, the city’s weather narrative is mixed. Safdarjung—the IMD’s base station—recorded 35°C, which is slightly above the seasonal average. Palam, by contrast, was 3.9°C cooler than normal, dropping three degrees from the day before. Such temperature drops, especially post-rain, help improve air quality by reducing heat-related pollutant generation.
Rain has been another stabilizing force. While parts of Delhi saw light drizzles—like Lodi Road (1.5 mm) and Safdarjung (0.8 mm)—others like Palam and Ayanagar witnessed more intense showers. This spatial variability in precipitation is typical of Delhi’s monsoon onset and has a direct cleansing effect on suspended particles in the air.
Looking ahead, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for Monday, warning of thunderstorms and more rain. Forecasts predict daytime temperatures around 33°C and lows near 26°C—favourable conditions for continued clean air.
Beyond the Weather: What Authorities Are Doing to Sustain Cleaner Skies
- Fuel ban on old petrol and diesel vehicles has already led to 80 impoundments across Delhi.
- CAQM mandates e-commerce fleets in NCR to switch to CNG or electric vehicles.
- Stage-I GRAP measures remain in effect, including curbs on construction dust and open burning.
While weather provides short-term relief, policy actions are key to long-term air quality gains. On July 1, the Delhi government enforced a ban on fuel supply to petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years, irrespective of their state of registration. Within the first week, over 80 vehicles were impounded, indicating active enforcement.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has also ordered a transition of e-commerce logistics fleets to CNG or EVs, targeting sectors known for high last-mile emissions. These moves build on the Stage-I Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), already in force due to earlier AQI fluctuations.
These policies suggest that air quality improvements are not purely accidental. Even as monsoonal forces do the heavy lifting, regulatory vigilance continues to shape the air Delhi breathes.
Clearer Air, But for How Long?
Delhi’s current clean-air spell is both remarkable and fragile. While rainfall and humidity have pushed the AQI into the ‘satisfactory’ zone, history shows that such improvements rarely last beyond the monsoon window. As the rains taper and vehicular congestion returns to peak levels, pollution levels may climb again—especially if enforcement weakens.
The real test lies in whether recent policies—like the overage vehicle ban—will hold up over time and whether green mobility plans can scale fast enough. For now, Delhi breathes easier. But the city remains a long way from permanent relief.
