Delhi Weather Update: Delhi-NCR Grapples with Severe Cold, Dense Fog, and Alarming Pollution Levels

North India is currently experiencing a severe cold wave accompanied by dense fog, which has Importantly reduced visibility and severely impacted traffic movement across the region. In Delhi-NCR, the minimum temperature is projected to hover between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius. Adding to the woes, the pollution levels have reached a critical 'severe' category, with Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded well above 400. According to meteorological forecasts, dense to very dense fog conditions are expected to persist across North India until December 27th, prompting advisories for residents to exercise extreme caution. Several parts of North India are currently under the grip of a harsh cold wave, characterized by dense fog in the morning hours.

This thick blanket of fog has drastically lowered visibility on roads, leading to slow-moving traffic and congestion in many areas. Rail and air travel have also been affected by these adverse weather conditions, while the India Meteorological Department has issued a forecast for dense to very dense fog across North India until December 27th, indicating that an improvement in the situation is unlikely in the coming days. On Christmas Day, Delhi's temperature was expected to be near normal,. With a clear sky and light fog observed in the morning.

Delhi-NCR's Current Weather Outlook

For the capital city of Delhi, the minimum temperature today is anticipated to be between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius, while while there might be some relief with mild sunshine during the afternoon, the mornings and nights will remain intensely cold. Delhi is likely to experience light to moderate fog in the morning, which could reduce visibility, while similar weather conditions are expected in the NCR districts, where moderate to dense fog is forecast for the morning. Areas adjacent to Delhi are particularly prone to very low visibility in the morning, necessitating extra caution for commuters.

Weather Conditions in Noida and Gurugram

Neighboring cities of Noida and Gurugram will also experience similar weather patterns. Noida is expected to have a very cold night, with daytime temperatures reaching around 20 degrees Celsius accompanied by mild sunshine. The minimum temperature in Noida is likely to be similar to that of Delhi. Gurugram will see fog in the morning and cold conditions at night. The day will bring mild sunshine, with temperatures mirroring those in Noida. Both cities should anticipate reduced visibility due to dense fog in the morning hours.

Forecast for Ghaziabad and Faridabad

Ghaziabad and Faridabad are also set to experience similar weather conditions. These areas will witness severe cold coupled with dense fog in the mornings. Drivers in Ghaziabad and Faridabad are advised to exercise particular caution while commuting in the morning due to Notably reduced visibility caused by the dense fog, while Plus, the severe pollution levels in these areas could lead to respiratory discomfort for residents, especially for vulnerable populations, making it a critical health concern.

Delhi's Critical Air Quality Situation

Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to remain above 400, categorizing it as 'severe'. On Tuesday morning, residents across the city reported struggling with the choking air. The entire city was enveloped in a thick layer of dense fog and haze, creating a murky atmosphere. AQI readings at 27 monitoring stations across the city exceeded 400 (severe category), while in several other locations, the AQI reached the 'extremely severe' category, posing significant health risks. According to the CPCB's Sameer app, five stations recorded an AQI above 450, falling into the 'very severe' category. These included Anand Vihar at 470, Nehru Nagar at 463, Okhla at 459, Mundka at 459, and Sirifort at 450, underscoring the persistently poor air quality in Delhi and the urgent need for protective measures by the public.