Delhi's air quality: Longest stretch of "moderate" levels in September
For most of September, Delhi's air just wouldn't budge from "moderate" levels—AQI stayed above 100 for 18 days straight (September 12-29), marking the longest such run in a September since 2016.
While this sounds better than "poor," it still isn't great news for kids, seniors, or anyone sensitive to pollution.
The average AQI for the month landed at 104.7, pretty much on par with recent years.
Why the long run?
Blame it on the weather: monsoon left early this year (September 24—the earliest since 2002), leaving behind dry conditions and weak winds that let pollutants hang around.
Things got even stickier when temperatures spiked to a two-year high of 38.1°C on September 28, boosting traffic-related ozone pollution.
What to expect in October?
With forecasts of rain and southeasterly winds, experts expect Delhi will finally get a breather from pollution.
Good news: experts say Delhi should see "satisfactory" air (AQI between 51-100) in early October before things settle back to moderate again.