Rain Clears Delhi’s Air! AQI Drops to ‘Moderate’ After Overnight Thunderstorms 🌧️
Overnight rain and thunderstorms brought Delhi’s AQI down to 191 on Saturday and about 167 (“Moderate”) on Sunday morning. Forecasts warn that air quality could worsen again as winter sets in.
· 2 min read ·
Delhi Wakes Up to Cleaner Air as Overnight Rain Brings Relief
New Delhi | 25 October 2026
A spell of overnight rain and thunderstorms has brought rare relief to Delhi-NCR, pushing air quality down to levels the city seldom sees in late October. Residents woke up on Sunday to cooler temperatures, washed streets and noticeably clearer skies.
A decade-best October day
On Saturday, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 191. Reports say it was the lowest reading for 24 October in ten years, leaving out the COVID lockdown years.
The improvement continued overnight. By 9 AM on Sunday, the city’s AQI had fallen to about 167, which puts it in the “Moderate” category.
How much rain fell
Delhi received 4.4 mm of rain between 8:30 PM on Saturday and 8:30 AM on Sunday, along with thunderstorms. Rain washes dust and pollutants out of the air, which is why air quality improved so quickly.
Not every area is breathing easy
The citywide average improved, but some pockets stayed in the “Poor” category. Of 54 monitoring stations, 11 recorded poor air, with the highest readings at:
IIT Delhi: 245
Alipur: 233
A cooler Sunday
Minimum temperature: 17°C, slightly below the seasonal average
Expected maximum: about 31°C
Morning humidity: 94%
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more rain and thunderstorms during the day.
Why the relief may be short-lived
Experts caution that this is a pause, not a turnaround. As winter sets in, falling temperatures, slower winds and stubble burning in neighbouring states usually trap pollutants close to the ground. Forecasts warn that the AQI could rise to the “Very Poor” range again in the coming days.
Delhi traffic authorities are continuing their anti-pollution drives, and close to 9,900 challans have been issued to vehicles so far.
What residents can do
Check the live AQI on the SAMEER app or the CPCB website before going outdoors
Plan outdoor workouts for when AQI is lower
Keep N95 masks handy for days when pollution rises again
Use public transport or carpools where possible to cut vehicle emissions
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