Delhi’s Air Quality Improves with AQI Dropping to 85, the Best in Three Years

Delhi recorded its lowest Air Quality Index (AQI) in the last three years, with an average of 85 from January 1 to March 15. This marks the first time in 2025 that the AQI has fallen into the ‘Satisfactory’ category (AQI between 50 and 100). The last time Delhi saw such an improvement in March was in 2020.

The improvement in air quality is being hailed as a positive sign, as the city moves past the winter season. Meanwhile, temperatures have started rising, with Ainapur Hobli in Karnataka recording a high of 42.8°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts temperatures will continue to increase by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius in parts of north Interior Karnataka until March 17.

In Delhi, light rain brought some relief, especially in south Delhi. The IMD forecasts a partly cloudy sky with isolated light rain in northwest India. The weather change also includes heatwave warnings in certain parts of Karnataka.

Delhi’s Air Quality Improves with AQI Dropping to 85, the Best in Three Years

Delhi has recently seen a significant improvement in its air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 85, the lowest it has been in the past three years. This average AQI was recorded from January 1 to March 15, marking the first time this year that the air quality has fallen into the ‘Satisfactory’ category. The ‘Satisfactory’ category includes AQI values ranging from 50 to 100, indicating cleaner and healthier air for residents. According to the Commission for Air Quality Management, this is also the first time since 2020 that Delhi’s air quality in March has been classified as ‘Satisfactory’. This improvement is being celebrated as a positive sign for the city’s efforts to combat pollution.

Meanwhile, as winter comes to an end and temperatures begin to rise, some parts of northern Karnataka are experiencing intense heat. For instance, Ainapur Hobli village recorded temperatures as high as 42.8°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that maximum temperatures in north Interior Karnataka will increase by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius between March 15 and 17. The IMD has also issued heat wave warnings for several districts in the region, including Kalaburagi and Bidar, advising residents to take precautions against the scorching heat over the next few days.

In contrast, Delhi experienced a change in weather on Friday evening, with dark clouds and light rain in some areas, including south Delhi. The IMD has forecasted partly cloudy skies and the possibility of isolated rain in the Northwest plains, providing some relief from the rising temperatures.

The improvement in Delhi’s air quality is a welcome change for its residents, who have long struggled with high levels of pollution, especially during the winter months. The drop in AQI to 85 is a positive indicator that efforts to reduce pollution, such as stricter regulations on vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and construction, may be starting to show results. However, experts caution that sustained efforts are necessary to maintain this improvement and prevent a return to hazardous air quality levels.

The ‘Satisfactory’ AQI category means that the air quality poses little to no risk to public health, which is a significant achievement for a city that has frequently faced severe pollution challenges. The Commission for Air Quality Management has emphasized that this improvement is a result of various measures implemented over the past few years, including the promotion of public transportation, the use of cleaner fuels, and the enforcement of anti-pollution laws.

On the other hand, the rising temperatures in northern Karnataka are a cause for concern, as heat waves can have serious health impacts, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The IMD’s heat wave warnings serve as a reminder for people to stay hydrated, avoid direct exposure to the sun during peak hours, and take necessary precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.

In Delhi, the light rain and cloudy skies brought a temporary respite from the heat, offering a pleasant change in weather. The IMD‘s prediction of isolated rain in the Northwest plains suggests that the region may experience further relief from the rising temperatures in the coming days.

Overall, the contrasting weather patterns in Delhi and northern Karnataka highlight the diverse climatic conditions across India. While Delhi celebrates improved air quality and enjoys cooler weather, northern Karnataka braces for intense heat. These developments underscore the importance of staying informed about weather forecasts and taking appropriate measures to adapt to changing environmental conditions. For Delhi, the improved AQI is a step in the right direction, but continued efforts are essential to ensure that the city’s air quality remains in the ‘Satisfactory’ range and beyond.