Delhi Pollution: Air quality improves as rain lashes Delhi-NCR on Basant Panchami, temperature likely to drop — Check IMD forecast
Delhi Pollution: Rain has brought a slight relief to residents of Delhi by flushing out pollution, however, showers also lowered the temperature of the capital city.
Delhi Pollution: Residents of Delhi-NCR woke up to a wet morning as light rain, accompanied by a thunderstorm, lashed parts of the capital city on Friday, bringing a slight relief from pollution. The overall air quality was recorded at 297 at 8 am, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. The data shows a marginal improvement in the air quality from Thursday morning. Yesterday, the overall AQI was 312 and fell under the ‘very poor’ category. However, even after a slight dip, the pollution levels across the region continued to remain at hazardous levels.
#WATCH | Delhi | Traffic snarls witnessed at Talkatora Road
The city has been receiving light rain since morning. A few roads in Central Delhi were cordoned off for the full-dress rehearsal of Republic Day. pic.twitter.com/Tn7BAYkgDu
— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2026
Delhi Pollution: Area-Wise AQI
| Area / Location | AQI Value | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Anand Vihar | 317 | Very Poor |
| Ashok Vihar | 335 | Very Poor |
| Wazirpur | 351 | Very Poor |
| Punjabi Bagh | 326 | Very Poor |
| RK Puram | 315 | Very Poor |
| Bawana | 342 | Very Poor |
| Chandni Chowk | 326 | Very Poor |
| Dwarka Sector 8 | 316 | Very Poor |
| ITO | 266 | Poor |
Delhi Pollution: Air Quality Continues to Haunt the Capital City
According to CPCM data, multiple monitoring stations showed AQI in poor to very poor category.
As per the AQI classification, readings between 201 and 300 are considered poor, 301 to 400 very poor, and 401 to 500 severe, highlighting the continued health risk posed by the prevailing air quality.
Delhi Pollution: IMD Forecast
According to the India(BHARAT) Meteorological Department (IMD), the mercury stood at around 16.4 degrees Celsius at 8 am. The rainfall occurred due to a fresh western disturbance which is affecting North India(BHARAT)’s weather. Due to this natural phenomenon, cloudy skies and unsettled weather conditions are expected in the region.
The weather department has issued an Orange alert for all districts of Delhi, forecasting several spells of light showers. The IMD stated that gusty winds can reach up to 40 kmph during the day and may further intensify the chill.
Jammu also witnessed light showers today, further intensifying the weather conditions in the region.
| AQI Range | Air Quality Category | Health Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 201–300 | Poor | May cause breathing discomfort to people with lung disease, children, and older adults |
| 301–400 | Very Poor | May cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure |
| 401–500 | Severe | Affects healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases |
Delhi Pollution: Grap Stage III Actions Revoked
Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) revoked all Stage III restrictions in the capital city and adjoining NCR on Wednesday. The decision was taken after witnessing improvement in air quality.
The Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry released a statement stating that Stage III measures were imposed on January 16 after witnessing a significant deterioration in the air quality. However, the Ministry noted that the average AQI, since January 16, showed a consistent improving trend.
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