Spatial and Temporal Assessment of Air Pollution and Meteorological Influences Across Major Indian Cities

Abstract

Air pollution is a key environmental issue in fast growing urban cities of India, with high spatial, seasonal and meteorological fluctuations in pollutant levels. In this study, air pollution spatial and temporal patterns were evaluated and the impact of meteorological variables on air pollution across 29 major cities in India was explored based on 1450 balanced observations taken from 2022-2025. Major pollutants like PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, CO, NO₂, SO₂, O₃, Air Quality Index (AQI) and meteorological parameters like Humidity, Dew point, Wind gust, Precipitation, Air pressure and cloud cover were analyzed. Descriptive statistics, city-wise and seasonal comparisons, Pearson correlation analysis and multivariable linear regression was used. Spatial variation was evident with the northern and more urbanized cities generally having higher pollution burdens while several northeastern, coastal and hill cities had lower pollution burdens. The air quality in the winter season and post monsoon was comparatively poor, while the particulate pollution and AQI were lower during monsoon. Meteorological parameters showed significant association with pollution variability, in general humidity, wind gusts and cloud cover were negatively associated while atmospheric pressure was positively associated with PM₂.₅, PM₁₀ and AQI. The results indicate the need to consider spatial, seasonal, and meteorological data in urban air-quality management. City-specific and season-specific mitigation strategies could help better control pollution and environmental planning for sustainability in India.