Fri Dec 27 19:50:37 UTC 2024: ## Delhi’s Unexpected December Downpour Eases Pollution Restrictions
**New Delhi, December 28, 2024** – Unusually heavy rainfall has led to the easing of pollution restrictions in Delhi. The city experienced 30.2 mm of rainfall in 24 hours, contributing to a total of 42.8 mm for December – making it the fifth wettest December since 1901, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). While causing some waterlogging and traffic disruptions (resulting in 13 complaints to municipal authorities), the downpour has significantly improved air quality.
Consequently, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) downgraded the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) from Stage III to Stage II, lifting the ban on most construction and demolition activities and allowing schools to resume full in-person classes for students up to grade five.
The IMD attributes the rainfall to an active western disturbance interacting with easterly winds. While the minimum temperature reached a pleasant 11 degrees Celsius on Friday, it is expected to drop to 6 degrees Celsius by December 31st. The IMD forecasts light rain and cloudy skies for Saturday. Despite the heavy rainfall, this December’s total still falls short of the record 77.2 mm recorded in 1923.
First Piper 