What was the goal of the cloud seeding experiment in Delhi?

The goal of the cloud seeding experiment in Delhi was to induce artificial rain that could help wash away toxins and smog in the air to some extent.

How did the cloud seeding experiment affect Delhi's air quality?

While the skies remained dry, air quality data showed temporary pollutant drops. Real-time readings indicated a 15-18% drop in PM2.5 levels and a 17-19% reduction in PM10 concentrations in areas like ITI Jahangirpuri, Mayur Vihar, and Karol Bagh during the hours following the cloud-seeding attempt.

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Cloud Seeding Experiment in Delhi Fails to Bring Rain, Offers Temporary Relief

Q: Why did the cloud seeding attempt fail to produce substantial rainfall?

The cloud seeding attempt failed to produce substantial rainfall due to inadequate atmospheric conditions, particularly a lack of moisture in the clouds. The relative humidity over Delhi was only 15-20%, well below the 50-60% threshold required for successful seeding.

17 Nov

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Summary

Cloud seeding attempt in Delhi on October 28, 2025 failed to induce significant rainfall
Temporary drop in PM2.5 and PM10 levels observed after the experiment
Authorities plan more trials when atmospheric conditions are favorable

Cloud Seeding Experiment in Delhi Fails to Bring Rain, Offers Temporary Relief

In a bid to address Delhi's worsening air pollution, authorities in the capital, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, conducted a cloud seeding experiment on October 28, 2025. The goal was to induce artificial rain that could help wash away toxins and smog in the air to some extent.

However, despite high expectations, the cloud-seeding attempt yielded little to no rain due to inadequate atmospheric conditions, particularly a lack of moisture in the clouds. The aircraft dispersed silver iodide and salt-based flares into the clouds, but the relative humidity over Delhi was a mere 15-20%, well below the 50-60% threshold required for successful seeding.