Bengaluru Weather Update: High humidity, light rainfall brings AQI relief

Bengaluru witnesses high humidity and scattered rainfall, leading to a slight improvement in air quality. Here’s the latest IMD forecast and AQI levels.

Bengaluru : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that Bengaluru is currently experiencing elevated humidity levels, along with intermittent light rain — a combination that is providing unexpected relief in the city’s battle with air pollution. Humidity has climbed to around 80‑90 per cent in some zones, while several areas recorded light showers over the past 24 hours.

Cooling Temperatures and Cleaner Air

With the damp conditions, daytime temperatures have dipped slightly, offering respite from previous dry, hotter spells. More significantly, air‑quality monitors show a modest improvement: Bengaluru’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has moved into the “moderate” category, with PM2.5 and PM10 levels easing off. One AQI reading stood at 52 following recent showers. Experts attribute this improvement to rainfall and high humidity helping to wash down dust and particulates suspended in the air.

When humidity rises and light rain falls, fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) tends to settle out of the air or get cleared by the rainfall. This improves visibility and lowers pollution concentration. According to air‑quality researchers, Bengaluru benefited from more “good air days” after enhanced rainfall in previous months.

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Forecast Outlook

The IMD predicts more scattered showers and persistent humid conditions over the next few days, which could sustain the air‑quality improvement. However, no heavy rain or major downpour is expected at this time — the showers are mainly light to moderate. Residents are advised to carry umbrellas for the unexpected light rain and continue monitoring forecasts as conditions evolve.

What Residents Should Know

• Outdoor enthusiasts and commuters may enjoy marginally better air quality, but those with asthma or respiratory issues should still take precautions given humidity and traffic pollution.
• Motorists may notice reduced visibility or damp roads in early morning hours due to the rising humidity and cloudy skies.
• While the drop in AQI is welcome, the improvement is linked to short‑term weather conditions — long‑term reduction in pollution will still require sustained efforts in traffic management and industrial emissions control.
• The city’s storm‑drainage systems won’t be stressed by these light showers , but if rain intensifies, low‑lying localities may face sluggish drainage or water‑logging.

Why This Matters?

Bengaluru’s pollution levels have long been a concern, especially during dryer spells when dust, vehicular emissions and construction activity combine to degrade air quality. The current uptick in humidity and light rain offers a timely environmental breather for the city. If sustained even for a short period, these weather factors can boost the “good air days” tally, which matters for public health.