Weather Conditions Impacting Air Quality in Patna
Patna has been confirmed as the second-most polluted city in India, following Delhi, with alarming PM2.5 levels recorded during the 2024-25 period. Meteorological conditions are significantly impacting air quality, with studies indicating that these conditions can shift PM2.5 levels by up to 40% even without any change in emissions.
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 region is particularly vulnerable to pollution due to its geographical features and seasonal weather patterns.
Low wind speeds, high humidity, and atmospheric stagnation are key factors that contribute to the elevated PM2.5 levels in Patna during winter months. Over 70% of days in both Delhi and Patna fall under low-wind, high-humidity meteorological regimes, exacerbating the air quality crisis.
In comparison, Delhi experienced Stage III restrictions for about 53 days and Stage IV measures for around 15 days during severe air quality episodes. These measures were implemented in response to the city’s ongoing pollution crisis, which has been described as the most severe nationally.
Climate Trends noted, “Delhi continues to face the most severe pollution crisis nationally with the highest annual average PM2.5 levels and the longest stretches of ‘severe’ or ’emergency’ category air days, driven by local emissions and regional factors.” This situation raises concerns about the health impacts on residents in both cities.
The Indo-Gangetic Plain, where both cities are located, records the highest PM2.5 pollution levels in India. The combination of geographical vulnerability and adverse weather conditions creates a perfect storm for air quality issues.
As the winter season approaches, observers are closely monitoring the situation, anticipating further deterioration in air quality if current weather patterns persist. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any immediate measures that may be taken to address this escalating crisis.
