Delhi Air Quality Improves, GRAP Restrictions Lifted as Temperatures Dip
Delhi experienced a significant improvement in air quality on Saturday, March 21, 2026, leading to the lifting of all restrictions imposed under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The city woke to a chilly morning with temperatures dropping to 13 degrees Celsius, 3.5 degrees below normal.
Air Quality Reaches ‘Satisfactory’ Level
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi stood at 94 (satisfactory) at 8 am on Saturday, marking a dramatic improvement from previous levels. This is the first time the city has recorded ‘satisfactory’ air quality in approximately five months, with the last instance being on October 9, 2025, when the AQI was 99 [aqi.in].
GRAP Restrictions Revoked
Following the improvement, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked all GRAP restrictions on Monday, March 16, 2026. This includes the lifting of bans on the employ of coal and firewood as fuel and restrictions on diesel generators [economictimes.indiatimes.com].
Temperature and Rainfall
The maximum temperature on Saturday is expected to reach 27 degrees Celsius. While no rain was recorded in the morning, Delhi received 7 mm of precipitation on Friday. The city’s average rainfall for March has reached 16.2 mm, making it the wettest March since 2023, which recorded an average of 50.4 mm.
Forecasts and Future Outlook
The Air Quality Early Warning System forecasts that the air quality will remain in the ‘moderate’ category through March 23, 2026. Remarkably light rain is anticipated to return on Monday, potentially accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning due to an active western disturbance.
Coldest March Day in Years
Friday, March 20, 2026, was recorded as the coldest March day at the Safdarjung station since March 8, 2020, with a maximum temperature of 21.7 degrees Celsius, 9.6 degrees below normal. The minimum temperature on Friday was 16 degrees Celsius, 0.5 degrees below normal.
Understanding the Air Quality Index
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards, the AQI categories are as follows: [airquality.cpcb.gov.in]:
- 0-50: Good
- 51-100: Satisfactory
- 101-200: Moderate
- 201-300: Poor
- 301-400: Very Poor
- 401-500: Severe
Current Air Quality in New Delhi
As of March 21, 2026, at 15:41 local time, the New Delhi AQI is 107 (Poor) with PM2.5 at 38 µg/m³ and PM10 at 48 µg/m³. New Delhi currently ranks 233rd among the most polluted cities globally. [aqi.in]