India, April 1 -- Rain on one day, heat on another, and pollution remaining elevated throughout, the weather this month was anything but business as usual, as Delhi recorded its most polluted March in four years, its wettest in three years and its hottest since 2022.

An analysis by the CREA (Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air) showed that the Capital recorded its most polluted March in four years in 2026, with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 181 till March 30, the highest since 2022, when it stood at 217. In comparison, the average AQI reading was 170 in 2023, 176 in 2024 and 170 in 2025. In March 2026, Delhi recorded one 'satisfactory' day, 22 'moderate' days and eight 'poor' days, the analysis showed.

A breakdow...