Patna has been confirmed as the second-most polluted city in India, with alarming PM2.5 levels exacerbated by local weather conditions.
Weather Conditions Impacting Air Quality in Patna
Patna has been identified as the second-most polluted city in India, following Delhi, with persistently high PM2.5 concentrations. This alarming situation is exacerbated by specific weather conditions, including low wind speeds and high humidity, which can shift PM2.5 levels by as much as 40% even without any change in emissions.
During the 2024-25 period, Delhi recorded the highest annual PM2.5 levels, leading to extended periods of ‘severe’ air quality, while Patna’s pollution levels closely followed. 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.”
The Indo-Gangetic Plain, where both cities are located, is particularly vulnerable to high pollution levels due to its geography and seasonal weather patterns. Observers note that over 70% of days in both Delhi and Patna fall under low-wind, high-humidity meteorological regimes, which contribute significantly to poor air quality.
In Delhi, Stage III restrictions were implemented for about 53 days when air quality reached the ‘severe’ category, and Stage IV measures lasted for around 15 days during similar episodes. Such measures highlight the urgent need for effective air quality management strategies in both cities.
Low wind speeds and atmospheric stagnation are key factors that intensify PM2.5 levels, particularly in winter months. As the weather in Patna continues to play a crucial role in air pollution, the situation remains critical for public health.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding future weather patterns and their potential impact on pollution levels. However, the ongoing crisis underscores the need for immediate action to address air quality issues in Patna and its neighboring regions.
