Several areas in Delhi-NCR experienced light rain on Sunday, December 8, offering a brief respite from the region’s persistent pollution and poor air quality. However, the air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 302, down from ‘moderate’ levels earlier in December.
Light Rainfall Across Delhi and NCR Areas
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported light rainfall or drizzles in various parts of Delhi, including:
•Indira Gandhi International Airport
•Vasant Kunj
•Hauz Khas
•Malviya Nagar
•Kalkaji
•Mehrauli
•Tughlaqabad
•Chhattarpur
•IGNOU
•Aya Nagar
•Deramandi
Neighboring regions such as Noida, Gurugram, Manesar, and Farukhnagar in Haryana are also expected to witness mild rainfall on Monday evening, along with foggy conditions.
IMD’s Weather Update
Naresh Kumar, a scientist at the IMD, explained that a western disturbance over central Pakistan is influencing the weather in northern India. He added:
Light to moderate rain is likely in the Himalayas and parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi in the coming days.
Temperatures might rise slightly on December 8, but a cold wave is expected to set in after December 9, starting from Rajasthan and spreading to Punjab and Haryana.
Air Quality Remains a Concern
Despite the rainfall, air quality in Delhi remains poor. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) defines AQI levels as follows:
Good: 0-50
Satisfactory: 51-100
Moderate: 101-200
Poor: 201-300
Very Poor: 301-400
Severe: Above 400
At 4 p.m. on Sunday, Delhi’s AQI stood at 302, which falls under the ‘very poor’ category.
An official from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) noted that outdated emissions inventory data might have affected pollution models’ accuracy, which requires further evaluation.
As temperatures dip and fog sets in, the combination of cold wave conditions and deteriorating air quality could pose challenges for residents. The light rainfall offers only temporary relief, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable measures to combat pollution in the region.
