New Delhi: It has been traditionally believed that the winter months are bad for respiratory health due to high pollution levels, but a recent study has revealed that rising temperatures during the summer months of April and May can also significantly influence PM2.5 levels. The study found occasional spikes in air pollution across major Indian cities.

This new research highlights the impact of higher temperatures on the formation of secondary pollutants, adding another layer of complexity to India’s air quality challenges. What The Study Says About April-May Temperature The study by Climate Trends examined the relationship between PM2.5 concentrations and meteorological parameters in Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Patna, using data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the ERA5 dataset for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024.

The findings indicate that higher temperatures lead to the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) from the reaction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) with hydrocarbons, both of which contribute to increased PM2.5 levels. The study says April and May, which usually signal the transition of season from spring to summer, are critical months that greatly influence PM2.

5 levels in urban areas. The transition sees an increase in the temperatures and a change in the atmospheric conditions. The rising temperatures during April and May can lead to photochemical reactions that in.