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Delhi Weather Today: Dense Fog Engulfs Delhi-NCR
On Friday morning, Delhi and nearby regions, including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurgaon, faced another day of zero visibility due to dense fog. Early morning traffic was significantly affected as motorists reduced their speed to navigate through the blinding conditions. Vehicle lights provided little help in improving visibility, further complicating commuting across the region.
IMD Issues Orange Alert for Dense Fog
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, warning that dense to very dense fog is expected to persist throughout Friday. Motorists are advised to use fog lights for safer driving. Travelers planning journeys by train or flights are urged to check for updates on delays and cancellations with airlines or the Railways.
According to the IMD, dense to very dense fog is expected in Punjab, Haryana, and isolated areas of Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, isolated regions in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab are likely to experience cold wave conditions.
Temperature Drops Across Delhi-NCR
The minimum temperature in Delhi is predicted to dip to 6°C, with a maximum of around 20°C. The IMD forecasts that the situation may worsen with rain and dense fog likely on January 11 and 12. The dense fog is expected to linger until January 15, and the maximum temperature could drop further to 18°C in the coming days.
After days of cold winds and dense fog, Delhi saw some sunlight on Thursday, with the maximum temperature recorded at 21.2°C—2.2°C above normal. Despite the sunny spells, the morning was bitterly cold, with a minimum temperature of 4.8°C, compared to 7.4°C recorded on Wednesday. The IMD reported 87% humidity on Thursday.
Stage 3 GRAP Restrictions Reimposed
In light of the adverse weather, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has reintroduced Stage 3 restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. This decision follows a significant rise in air pollution levels, exacerbated by the slow winds and dense fog.
On Thursday, Delhi's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 357, classified as "very poor," compared to 297 on Wednesday. The CAQM has directed regional authorities to implement pollution control measures under GRAP Stage 3 to mitigate the situation.
Air Quality Index: Understanding the Levels
The AQI is categorized into six bands to assess air quality:
- 0-50: Good
- 51-100: Satisfactory
- 101-200: Moderate
- 201-300: Poor
- 301-400: Very Poor
- 401-500: Severe
With the AQI hovering in the "very poor" range, immediate action is necessary to curb pollution and address health concerns for Delhi-NCR residents.
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