Delhi air improves to ‘moderate’ after rain and winds, but colder days and poor AQI likely to return
Delhi saw a sharp, weather-driven drop in pollution levels with AQI touching 192—its lowest in 102 days—after rain and gusty winds. Forecasts, however, suggest a return to ‘poor’ and even ‘very poor’ categories around Republic Day amid colder conditions and another western disturbance.
Delhi recorded a notable, if temporary, improvement in air quality after rain and gusty winds brought down pollution levels. On Saturday, January 24, 2026, the Air Quality Index (AQI) fell to 192, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category and marking the cleanest day the capital has seen in 102 days.
The dip offered short-lived relief, with forecasts suggesting pollution may worsen again. The Air Quality Early Warning System projected that AQI could slip back into the ‘poor’ category on Sunday, January 25, and move into ‘very poor’ on Republic Day, January 26, before fluctuating between ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ in the days after.
Cold, fog and another rain spell: what’s expected
Alongside AQI changes, temperatures are expected to remain low. Minimum temperatures dropped sharply, with Safdarjung recording 7.6°C, and the meteorological outlook indicated further cooling around January 25 and January 26. Visibility issues due to fog were also noted, with moderate fog reducing visibility in parts of the city during late-night and early-morning hours.
The India Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert for January 27, forecasting another spell of rain as a western disturbance approaches from the night of January 26. There is also a possibility of thunderstorms or lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) during early morning to forenoon hours, which can influence both temperature and pollutant dispersion.
Health implications: why the ‘bounce-back’ matters
Even when AQI improves briefly, a return to ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ categories can be hard on people with asthma, COPD and other respiratory conditions, as well as children and older adults. Cold weather and fog can compound discomfort by increasing airway irritation and encouraging more time spent in enclosed spaces with weaker ventilation.
For residents, the key takeaway is that weather-driven AQI dips can be deceptive: the relief may last only until wind patterns change or fog returns. Monitoring official advisories and planning outdoor activity around forecast windows can help reduce exposure during expected ‘very poor’ days.