Weather Patna: Air Quality Update
Patna has been confirmed as the second-most polluted city in India, following Delhi, with persistently high PM2.5 levels exacerbated by local weather conditions. Recent studies indicate that during the 2024-25 period, Patna recorded alarming air quality metrics, underscoring a growing environmental crisis in the region.
According to Climate Trends, “Patna is confirmed as the second-most polluted city after Delhi, with persistently high PM2.5 concentrations driven by strong atmospheric stagnation, highlighting an intensifying crisis in the eastern Indo-Gangetic Plain.” This statement reflects the ongoing challenges faced by cities in this geographic area, which are particularly vulnerable to pollution.
In Delhi, the most polluted city, air quality reached ‘severe’ levels for extended periods, prompting Stage III restrictions for 53 days and Stage IV measures for 15 days. These actions were necessary to combat the extreme pollution levels, which have been attributed to a combination of local emissions and regional meteorological conditions.
Notably, meteorological factors can shift PM2.5 levels by as much as 40%, even without changes in emissions. Low wind speeds, high humidity, and atmospheric stagnation are prevalent in both Delhi and Patna, contributing to the deterioration of air quality during winter months.
Over 70% of days in these cities fall under low-wind, high-humidity meteorological regimes, which are conducive to high pollution levels. The Indo-Gangetic Plain’s unique geography exacerbates these conditions, making it a hotspot for air quality issues.
As the situation evolves, observers are closely monitoring the air quality trends in Patna and Delhi. The Central Pollution Control Board continues to assess the impact of these conditions on public health and the environment.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any immediate measures that may be implemented to address the worsening air quality in Patna. However, the urgency of the situation is clear, and further actions may be necessary to mitigate the effects of pollution on residents.
