KATHMANDU: Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu’s air quality has improved significantly following two days of steady rainfall in the valley.

The rain, which began sporadically on Wednesday afternoon and continued with normal showers on Thursday, helped reduce air pollution levels in the capital.

Just days ago, Kathmandu topped the global list for the most polluted air.

However, as of 5:30 a.m. on Friday, the city has dropped to 18th place, according to the global Air Quality Index (AQI).

The AQI currently stands at 99, a marked improvement from 152 at the same time on Thursday. A few days earlier, it had spiked to a hazardous level of 352.

The rain has also helped extinguish forest fires in the surrounding areas, which, along with prolonged dry conditions, had been contributing to high levels of dust and smoke in the atmosphere.

Globally, Kuwait now ranks first in terms of air pollution, with an AQI of 3997. Baghdad, Iraq, follows with an AQI of 948, and Beijing, China, is third with 160.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an AQI below 35 is considered safe for human health. An AQI of 51–100 falls in the “moderate” or “caution” zone. Levels between 101 and 150 may affect individuals with respiratory or heart conditions, while 151–200 is classified as unhealthy. AQI readings between 201 and 300 are considered very unhealthy, 301–400 hazardous, and anything above 400 extremely hazardous.

As per the Air Quality Management Action Plan for Kathmandu Valley (2076 BS), an AQI above 300 is categorized as a disaster.