Sat Dec 28 09:04:56 UTC 2024: ## Delhi’s Record Rainfall Brings Unseasonal Cold and Clean Air
**New Delhi, India** – Delhi experienced its highest December rainfall in 15 years, leading to a dramatic drop in temperature and a significant improvement in air quality. The downpour, which began late Thursday night and continued intermittently, brought the coldest December day in five years on Friday, with temperatures plummeting to 14.6°C.
The heavy rain effectively washed away the city’s toxic air pollution. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which had been in the “very poor” range earlier this week, reaching over 300, dropped to a “moderate” 164 on Friday morning, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This improvement prompted the lifting of the GRAP-3 restrictions, which had included bans on BS-IV vehicles and non-essential construction. Neighboring areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) also saw improved AQI levels.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts cloudy skies with scattered showers through Saturday, followed by a further temperature drop and dense fog from December 29th. Reduced visibility due to light to moderate fog is expected in the mornings. While the rain brought respite, the IMD warns of a significant decrease in minimum temperatures as the rainfall subsides.
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