Delhi continues to battle a harsh mix of biting cold and toxic air as a cold wave intensifies across North India and the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the ‘poor’ category for the second straight day. With temperatures expected to fall further over the coming days, residents are bracing for tougher winter conditions, while airlines and authorities remain on alert.
Upcoming Colder Days in Delhi’s Weather
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that temperatures throughout northwest India, including Delhi, would drop by two to three degrees Celsius during the course of the next four days. The country’s central and eastern regions may see a decrease in temperature during the following two days, suggesting a broad cold wave.
On Tuesday, Delhi had a minimum temperature of 6.6°C, which was slightly below the seasonal normal, and a maximum temperature of 18.5°C, which was around one degree below average. Visibility in the area has been seriously impeded by the cold and dense fog in the early morning and evening.
Air Quality Remains a Major Concern
Even as the mercury drops, pollution levels show little sign of relief. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed Delhi’s AQI at 286 on January 6, firmly in the ‘poor’ category. This follows Monday’s reading of 244.
Worryingly, 19 out of 40 air monitoring stations reported ‘very poor’ air quality. Anand Vihar emerged as the most polluted hotspot, with an AQI reading of 343, raising concerns for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory ailments.
Flight Operations Hit by Fog
The worsening weather has begun impacting air travel. Several airlines issued advisories warning passengers of potential delays due to dense fog and low visibility.
IndiGo Airlines, in a post on X, cautioned travelers about foggy conditions in cities including Delhi, Ranchi, Amritsar, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Guwahati, and Varanasi. The airline urged passengers to keep track of flight updates through its website or mobile app.
Fog Alert in Several States
Until January 10, the IMD predicts severe to extremely dense fog in isolated areas of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. Until January 8, similar circumstances are anticipated in Uttar Pradesh and east Madhya Pradesh.
Over the next few days, dense fog may also impact Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, west Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, portions of West Bengal and Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, and Bihar, potentially impeding air, train, and road travel.
What’s to Come
This week’s weather in North India will be difficult due to lower temperatures, ongoing pollution, and extensive fog. As winter tightens its hold on the area, authorities continue to warn residents to avoid outdoor exposure during peak pollution hours and use caution when traveling.