Did Iran war 'toxic cloud' worsen Delhi-NCR air? Here's what weather expert said

Rumours circulating online have suggested that the haze could be linked to smoke or chemical fallout from refinery strikes in Iran.

• Delhi haze due to dust from westerly winds, not refinery strikes
• Dust from Balochistan and Pakistan swept into northwest India
• Winds expected to clear haze in Delhi within 48 hours

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A thick haze covering Delhi and the National Capital Region  on Tuesday has sparked online speculation, with some users claiming it may be connected to refinery strikes and reports of “petrol rain” in Iran.

However, Dr Mahesh Palawat, vice president of meteorology at Skymet, told NDTV that the current situation is due to dust transported by strong westerly winds.

According to him, between March 5 and March 7, strong westerly winds from Balochistan and Central Pakistan, swept across the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. These winds carried vast amounts of loose desert dust into the skies over northwest India.

The suspended dust particles create a brownish or grey haze. This reduces visibility and gives the sky a dull appearance. While such haze may resemble pollution smog, it is largely composed of natural mineral dust rather than industrial emissions.

Dr Palawat told NDTV that the threat to northwest India is negligible, noting that the affected areas in Iran are about 2,500–3,000 km away and any pollutants travelling that far would be heavily diluted. He added that current upper-atmosphere winds are blowing from the southwest, directing potential fumes toward China and Russia rather than India, and that smoke could reach Delhi only if strong westerly winds persisted for several days — a condition that does not exist at present.

Skymet also predicted a change in weather patterns within the next 48 hours. According to Palawat, strong westerly and northwesterly winds are expected to pick up pace aroudn March 12.

He said these faster winds will act as a natural "broom" and disperse the suspended dust particles and pollutants.

According to reports, Iran's oil depot fires triggered black acid rain on Sunday. A thick black smoke cloud shrouded Tehran as visibility dropped. People complained of throat irritation and itchy eyes, as agencies warned them to stay indoors.

The Guardian reported that people had to turn on the lights to see in the gloomy conditions. Tehran is home to nearly 12 million people.