Study Links 70% of Winter Pollution Variation in North India to Storms

Researchers found that about 70% of year-to-year winter air pollution variations across northern India are explained by the frequency of Mediterranean western disturbances.

Winters with more frequent storm systems experience lower air pollution levels due to enhanced vertical ventilation and precipitation clearing PM2.5 pollutants.

Scientists noted that storm frequencies correlate with autumn ocean temperature patterns, potentially allowing authorities to forecast overall winter pollution severity in advance.