Delhi breathes easy as rains bring rare clean air and cool temperatures

After several days of continuous rain, the residents of Delhi-NCR are soaking in so much fresh air that they are reminded of the holidays spent in the mountains. The capital, notorious for its choking smog during winters, has suddenly found it easier to breathe thanks to incessant rains.

Delhi’s AQI drops to ‘Excellent’ levels

On most days, the air quality index (AQI) in the city ranges between 200 and 300, often reaching the "poor" or even "very poor" category. But on Tuesday morning, monitoring stations painted a different picture - AQI levels ranged between 25 and 60 - in the "excellent" category.

Pollution hotspots record surprisingly low AQI

The temperature was recorded at 66 degrees in Delhi's Anand Vihar, 55 degrees in DU's North Campus, 53 degrees in IGI Airport and Nehru Nagar.

Traditionally polluted areas of the national capital recorded hard-to-believe figures - Najafgarh (43), Okhla (34), Majnu Ka Tila (39) and Punjabi Bagh (42).

The air was clean in Ghaziabad too, with Sanjay Nagar recording 38, Indirapuram 41 and Vasundhara 39. Loni recorded a moderate but still respectable 51. And Noida Sector 1 recorded a drop in the AQI to just 25, which is rare in the NCR.

Residents have happily welcomed this relief. A Noida resident told IANS, "It feels like Mussoorie has come to Delhi." She further said that for the first time in months, she is able to sit in her balcony and breathe clean air.

A South Delhi resident, speaking to IANS, said: "It's a big relief for our lungs, but how long it continues like this, remains to be seen."

Rain brings respite from heat and humidity

In all the localities, ACs and coolers have been switched off, windows have been opened and people are just coming out to enjoy the air.

The rain has also brought relief from the heat and humidity. On September 2, the minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 22 degrees Celsius and the maximum at 30 degrees Celsius.

Pleasant weather expected to continue

According to the weather department, there will be intermittent rain and thundershowers for the next four to five days, keeping the temperature pleasant - with the maximum around 33 degrees Celsius and the minimum between 23 and 24 degrees Celsius.

The skies might remain cloudy on September 7, but for now, Delhi-NCR is enjoying this rare mix of cool winds, washed skies, and clean, breathable air.

With IANS inputs