Cleanest Day In Delhi! AQI Marked 85 In National Capital

Delhi experienced an unprecedented improvement in its air quality on Saturday, marking a significant environmental milestone. The city's average air quality index (AQI) dropped to 85, the lowest figure observed for the January to mid-March period in the last three years. This remarkable improvement in air cleanliness was further highlighted by the Commission for Air Quality Management's (CAQM) declaration of the day's AQI as "satisfactory." This is the first time since 2020 that Delhi has achieved a satisfactory AQI in March, signaling a positive shift in the city's battle against pollution.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) categorizes AQI levels, with readings between zero and 50 deemed 'good' and those from 51 to 100 considered 'satisfactory.' On this occasion, the AQI at Anand Vihar was recorded at 80, while Alipur boasted the day's lowest at a 'good' level of 48, according to CPCB data available at 7 pm. These figures underscore the significant air quality improvement across different parts of the capital, offering a breather to its residents.

Relief from GRAP Stage-1 Restrictions

In response to the improved air quality, CAQM made the decision to lift the restrictions previously imposed under Stage 1 of the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP). The panel attributed the AQI improvement to advantageous weather conditions, including favorable winds and light rain, which have prevailed in Delhi-NCR. With an AQI of 85 recorded on March 15, 2025, and forecasts predicting the continuation of 'Satisfactory to Moderate' AQI levels, CAQM has called on all agencies to maintain these better air quality levels and prevent any regression to 'poor' categories.

Weather and Temperature Forecasts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted a minimum temperature of 19 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 33 degrees Celsius for Delhi on the day of the report, with thunderstorms and rain expected. The following day, March 16, was predicted to have a generally cloudy sky with light rain, temperatures ranging from 17 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius. For other areas in India, as summer approaches, temperatures are on the rise. Ainapur Hobli in Karnataka's Kalaburagi district recorded a scorching 42.8 degrees Celsius in the last 24 hours. North Interior Karnataka is expected to see a 2 to 4 degrees Celsius increase in maximum temperatures over the next five days, with a heat wave warning issued for certain places.

Regional Weather Predictions

Moreover, the IMD anticipated isolated to scattered light or moderate rainfall, along with thunderstorms and lightning, in Delhi's neighboring states such as Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan on March 15 and 16. These weather conditions, contributing to the improved air quality in Delhi, signal a temporary relief from the typically high pollution levels experienced in the region.