Rain brings respite and Delhi-NCR records cleanest July air in decade

New Delhi: Continuous rainfall in Delhi-NCR on Thursday brought relief from the intense heat and led to a significant improvement in air quality, with July 2025 recording the cleanest air in more than ten years.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed Air Quality Index (AQI) readings falling below 50 in several areas, categorised as “very good”. The improvement was largely due to persistent showers over the past week, which helped wash away dust and pollutants.

As of Thursday, AQI levels in many monitoring stations were in the 20s and 30s. Alipur (28), Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium (38), Bawana (36), Narela and Nehru Nagar (both 48), Indirapuram in Ghaziabad (31), and Noida’s Sector 62 and Sector 1 (both 34) recorded some of the cleanest air seen in years, often cleaner than that of hill stations.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the region will remain under cloud cover with light to moderate rain until 5 August. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected between 1 and 3 August, likely providing further relief from heat and pollution.

The maximum temperature over the next few days is expected to stay between 33 and 35 degrees Celsius, while the minimum will be around 24 to 26 degrees. Humidity levels could peak at 95 per cent, adding to the discomfort.

Despite the improved air, persistent rain since late Wednesday night caused waterlogging and long traffic jams across Delhi-NCR. Several arterial roads were submerged, leading to major delays for commuters and highlighting the city’s ongoing drainage issues.

Even so, residents enjoyed the rare combination of cooler weather and exceptionally clean air, making this July the freshest for the capital in over a decade.