Delhi’s Frostiest December Yet: Delhi witnessed an extraordinary December this year, marked by record-breaking rainfall and unusually cold temperatures. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) also saw significant improvement, offering a much-needed respite to its residents from hazardous pollution levels. This December has turned out to be one for the books, setting new benchmarks in terms of weather and air quality changes.
Delhi’s Frostiest December Yet Record Rainfall and Plunging Temperatures
Delhi’s Frostiest December Yet According to meteorological data, Delhi experienced its highest precipitation levels in 15 years this December. The relentless rain began late Thursday night, continuing intermittently into Friday and beyond. This unseasonal downpour sent daytime temperatures plummeting to a chilling 14.6°C on Friday—the coldest December day in the past five years. To put this into perspective, the coldest December days of the last five years are as follows:
- 2024: 14.6°C
- 2023: 15.9°C
- 2022: 15.6°C
- 2021: 17.8°C
- 2020: 15.2°C
This sharp decline in temperature has disrupted the usual seasonal patterns, making it a December to remember for Delhiites.
Improved Air Quality: A Welcome Change
Delhi’s Frostiest December Yet One of the most notable outcomes of the rainfall has been the significant improvement in Delhi’s air quality. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that the city’s AQI dropped to the “moderate” category, measuring 164 on Friday morning. This marks a drastic improvement from the hazardous levels of 300+ recorded earlier in the week.
Delhi’s Frostiest December Yet For context, the Air Quality Index (AQI) categorizes air pollution levels as follows:
- 0-50: Good
- 51-100: Satisfactory
- 101-200: Moderate
- 201-300: Poor
- 301-400: Very Poor
- 401-500: Severe
Delhi’s improvement to the “moderate” category allowed authorities to lift the GRAP-3 restrictions that had been in place to combat severe air pollution. These restrictions banned BS-IV vehicles and halted non-essential construction activities across the city.
AQI Levels Across the City
On Saturday morning, AQI levels varied across different areas of Delhi and its surrounding National Capital Region (NCR):
- Alipur: 140
- Anand Vihar: 220
- Ashok Vihar: 165
- IGI Airport (T3): 112
- Dwarka Sector 8: 172
- Punjabi Bagh: 190
- Dilshad Garden: 75
Delhi’s Frostiest December Yet In the NCR region, AQI levels were also encouragingly low:
- Greater Noida: 87
- Ghaziabad: 87
- Noida: 116
- Gurgaon: 108
- Faridabad: 108
This widespread improvement has brought much-needed relief to residents who had been grappling with “very poor” air quality for days.
The Impact of Rainfall on Air Pollution
Delhi’s Frostiest December Yet The persistent rain played a crucial role in clearing Delhi’s air. By washing away particulate matter and pollutants, the downpour significantly improved visibility and overall air quality. This is a striking example of how natural weather phenomena can mitigate the adverse effects of urban pollution.
What’s Next for Delhi’s Weather?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that the weather will remain cloudy with scattered showers through Saturday. As the rain subsides, temperatures are expected to plunge further, accompanied by dense fog starting December 29. Visibility is likely to drop, especially in the early mornings, as light to moderate fog blankets the city and its surroundings. Minimum temperatures are forecast to dip sharply, marking a return to typical winter conditions.
Delhi’s Frostiest December Yet Residents are advised to prepare for colder days ahead and exercise caution while traveling due to reduced visibility during foggy mornings.
Understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI)
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a crucial tool for measuring and understanding air pollution levels. It ranges from 0 to 500, with lower values indicating better air quality. The index is divided into six categories, each representing a different level of health concern:
- Good (0-50): Air quality is considered satisfactory, posing little or no health risk.
- Satisfactory (51-100): Air quality is acceptable; however, there may be a moderate health concern for sensitive groups.
- Moderate (101-200): Air quality is fair, but sensitive groups may experience health effects.
- Poor (201-300): Everyone may begin to experience health effects, with sensitive groups at higher risk.
- Very Poor (301-400): Health alert for everyone; serious health effects are possible.
- Severe (401-500): Health warnings of emergency conditions; the entire population is more likely to be affected.
Historical Significance of December’s Rainfall
The rainfall recorded this December is the highest in 15 years, underscoring its historical significance. Such heavy and persistent rain during the winter season is unusual for Delhi, where December is typically dry and marked by declining temperatures. This anomaly has been attributed to an active Western Disturbance, which brought moisture-laden winds to the region.
Positive Environmental Impacts
Delhi’s Frostiest December Yet Beyond the immediate improvements in air quality, the rainfall has also replenished water tables and provided relief to agricultural activities in nearby areas. Farmers who rely on winter crops like wheat and mustard have welcomed the rain as it supports better crop yields.
Challenges Brought by the Rain
Despite its benefits, the heavy rainfall also brought some challenges to the city:
- Traffic Disruptions: Waterlogging in several areas led to slower traffic and longer commute times.
- Cold Wave Risks: The sharp drop in temperatures has increased the risk of cold-related health issues, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and homeless.
- Infrastructure Strain: Prolonged rain exposed the vulnerabilities of Delhi’s drainage systems, causing temporary flooding in low-lying areas.
In conclusion
Delhi has seen extremes this December, including record-breaking rainfall, record-breaking cold, and a notable improvement in air quality. It is impossible to overestimate the benefits of the rainfall for the city’s ecology and public health, despite the difficulties it caused. Residents of Delhi can find comfort in the cleaner air and the prospect of a healthier winter season as the city prepares for chilly days and heavy fog.
