Tue Feb 04 09:59:41 IST 2025: ## Delhi Welcomes Rainfall, Bringing Temporary Relief from Pollution

**New Delhi, February 4, 2024** – Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) awoke to light rainfall this morning, offering a temporary respite from the region’s persistent air pollution. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts showers to continue throughout the day, thanks to a fresh western disturbance.

The rain has already led to some improvement in air quality, although the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reports the Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the “Poor” category in many areas. At 7 a.m., Chandni Chowk recorded an AQI of 265, while ITO was at 232. Lodhi Road showed better conditions with an AQI of 132, and Sri Aurobindo Marg registered 228. Neighboring Gurugram in Haryana fared worse, with an AQI of 302 (“Very Poor”), and Faridabad at 217 (“Poor”). Further improvement is anticipated as the rain continues.

The IMD reported a minimum temperature of 12 degrees Celsius in Delhi, above normal for February, with a maximum expected to reach 21 degrees. The rainfall is expected to subside by Wednesday, February 5th, with an increase in fog anticipated. A thunderstorm is also possible today.

Last week, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage 3 measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) due to AQI exceeding 350. The IMD predicts a temporary rise in minimum temperatures across northwest India over the next two days, followed by a 2-3 degree drop in the subsequent three days. Another western disturbance is expected from February 8th, bringing further temperature fluctuations. Rainfall is also forecast for the western Himalayan region and parts of northwest India until February 5th.

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