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Delhi's Jan Air Quality Declines Despite Heavy Rainfall
31 Jan
Summary
- January 2026 saw higher average pollution than last year.
- Pollution spiked with three consecutive 'severe' AQI days.
- Rainfall in late January improved air quality significantly.
New Delhi experienced a more polluted January in 2026 than the previous year, despite an excess rainfall of 33%. The average Air Quality Index (AQI) for January 2026 stood at 307, a slight increase from 305 recorded last year. This period marked a concerning trend, as January 2026 saw several days with AQI exceeding 400, a level categorized as 'severe'.
From January 17 to 19, Delhi recorded AQI levels of 400, 440, and 410 respectively. The initial weeks of January were characterized by persistent high pollution. However, significant rainfall during the last week of the month, particularly on January 23-24 and January 28, led to a considerable improvement in air quality, preventing a potentially record-high average AQI.
Experts suggest that ENSO-neutral conditions contributed to slower winds, hindering pollutant dispersion. Had it not been for the late-January rains, the month's air quality could have been considerably worse. Looking ahead, Delhi is anticipating rain and thunderstorms over the weekend, with a yellow alert issued.
