Delhi Air Quality in December 2024: Comparing the first 15 days over Five years 

What to expect in December furthermore: Till now AQI levels remained in Unhealthy and poor levels. But the air quality condition in Delhi can take a turn if the weather decreases further and the wind level changes. It can result in high pollution levels if the condition changes. Let us explore Delhi air quality in December 2024 till now.

If we look at the last four years, AQI levels have increased after 20 December. This is most likely due to the temperature drop and other factors. Now, it is important to keep an eye on whether the air quality levels will increase or drop. There is a high chance that air quality levels will increase in Delhi in 2024 after mid-December. 

The chilly winds, heavy blankets and season of cold are here in North India. The air becomes more cold and high chance of storing pollution. Did you know? Delhi’s air quality touched 700+ just last month. It resulted in emergency measures and disrupted the daily lives of every resident. Now December, 12 days have passed and air quality continuously remained at “Poor” to “Unhealthy” levels. But more remaining the question for everyone remains will Delhi AQI levels increase again or become better from the previous records? 

Here are all your answers about the air quality in Delhi during December. The last 4 years’ data can support the future prediction for air pollution. Besides, we can focus on the current condition of air pollution in the capital. 

What does the first 15 days of Delhi AQI in December 2024 say?

Delhi air quality in December 2024 for the first 15 days remained in “Poor” to “Unhealthy”. It provided some relief from the sore levels touched last month. Still, this air quality poses significant risks to the health of every resident. Especially, children, asthmatic people, the elderly and residents with pre-existing conditions can face more problems.

Let’s visit what happened last month in Delhi as AQI hits 700+ in November 2024. Here is a short recap for November AQI in Delhi:

• Delhi sees the highest AQI levels in November and the most polluted day in the history of five years. 
• The condition led to GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) Stage-4 implementation in the city. 
• Besides, the emergency-like condition resulted in school closure, offices to operate at 50% and no construction activities. 
• But AQI levels in Delhi during the end of November decreased a little and reached “Unhealthy” levels. The wind speed increase is also a reason for the improvement in air quality in Delhi during November. 

First 15 days of Delhi air quality in December 2024 over last Five years: 

AQI levels in December improved a little but no respite from “Poor” to “Unhealthy” air. But in comparison to the last four years, AQI levels in December are better. The regulations in the city affect lives of many people. 

AQI levels in December 2021 started at “Poor” levels. And just in 5 days, AQI levels reached “Severe” levels. Then AQI levels dropped and reached the “Poor” category again. 

Continuously for 15 days, New Delhi’s AQI remained in the “Poor” to “Unhealthy” category providing a little relief from the previous month’s severe conditions. But do you know AQI levels in December 2024 recorded the lowest as compared to the last 5 years? Yes, Let us compare the AQI trend from 2020 to 2024:

For the first 5 days: 

AQI in December recorded the lowest in 2024 in the first 5 days. These levels in the previous 4 years mostly remained in the “Severe” to “Hazardous” category. The highest AQI in December month over 4 years was recorded in 2021 as 452 continuously for two days. 

Next 5 Days in December:

AQI levels from 5th to 10th December in Delhi show a clear picture as 2024 recorded the least polluted days in the last four years in the same month. The same days in 2020 had higher AQI levels than all five years. 

Next 5 days till 15th December:

AQI levels from 10th to 15th December in the last five years show that AQI levels changed. In 2021, air pollution recorded more than 400 in the “Severe” category. However, the data shows that 2024 and 2022 AQI levels remained aligned with each other and were lower than in other years. 

In the last 15 days, AQI in Delhi recorded the lowest in December 2024 as compared to the last four years on the same days. GRAP restrictions are timely updated this month which might be the reason. But solely GRAP cannot improve the air quality in New Delhi. So here are the possible factors improving the Delhi AQI in December 2024. 

What improved the air quality in Delhi during December 2024?

In the above graphics, we compared the data of the same days for the last 5 years. It shows that Delhi air quality in December 2024 recorded the lowest AQI levels when compared to the last 4 years in December. Here is the major factor that showed how air quality levels improved in Delhi: 

Wind Speed: December sees the coldest winter than any other month. It is noticed that the last 4 years recorded high pollution levels during December. However, in 2024, AQI levels remained the lowest compared to previous years. It happens due to the wind speed that clears the toxic pollutants. Besides, the weather drops in Delhi and chilly winds bring the temperature down. 

Moreover, GRAP-4 restrictions supported the long-time relief from hazardous AQI levels. It included many rules and regulations to control the emission and exposure. Now the rest of December will decide the AQI levels during the last month in Delhi. Still, the starting 15 days set a new record for the lowest AQI levels in the history of December. 

Final Thoughts: 

Delhi air quality in December 2024 recorded the lowest levels in the starting 15 days. Now the eyes remain on the coming trends and changes over time. AQI levels are lowest but not in the healthy category. Because the exposure can still result in many severe health issues in healthy people. The levels are still demanding a better action plan to tackle the situation and provide relief. Stay tuned to know more updates about AQI levels in Delhi during December.