# El Niño Winter Threatens Delhi Pollution

> El Niño could make Delhi's winter air pollution worse with less rain and slower winds.
- Title: El Niño Winter Threatens Delhi Pollution · Scroll | Shortify
- Summary: El Niño could make Delhi's winter air pollution worse with less rain and slower winds. El Niño conditions may increase Delhi's pollution by reducing rain and…
- Keywords: el niño, delhi, air pollution, aqi, winter, monsoon deficit, western disturbances, pm2.5, news, india, politics, Niño
- Source: Scroll — https://scroll.in/article/1096724/how-an-el-nino-winter-could-worsen-pollution-in-delhi
- Author: Vaishnavi Rathore
- Published: 2026-11-02T01:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: el niño, delhi, air pollution, aqi, winter, monsoon deficit, western disturbances, pm2.5, news, india, politics
## Delhi pollution spikes
Delhi-NCR saw air quality index jump to 244 on October 21, the worst in 100 days.
## El Niño's impact
El Niño with unprecedented strength could worsen winter pollution through reduced wind and rain.
## Temperature rise
World Meteorological Organisation predicts sea surface temperature could rise 3.8 degree celsius above average.
## Pollution trapping
Lower wind speeds trap pollutants longer, reducing dispersal during winter months.
## Western disturbances
El Niño may reduce western disturbances causing rain in north-western India.
## Monsoon deficit
El Niño year saw 13% monsoon deficit in india, delaying crop harvests.
## Crop residue burning
Delayed harvests increase crop residue burning, worsening air pollution.
## 2023-24 data
2023-24 El Niño year had 30 very poor air quality days versus 20 or fewer in previous years.
## 2022-23 study
2022-23 La Niña year showed 30% reduction in pm2.5 levels in north indian cities.
## Wind patterns
El Niño weakens winds, reducing pollutant dispersion in winter months.
## Long-term studies
Experts say more long-term studies needed to confirm pollution-climate links.
## Pollution solutions
Cities must target pollution sources like crop residue burning and transport emissions.
## Key takeaway

El Niño conditions may increase Delhi's pollution by reducing rain and slowing wind dispersion.