New Delhi [India]: A thick layer of fog blanketed parts of Delhi on Monday, leading to significantly reduced visibility amid colder weather conditions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the minimum temperature at Safdarjung was 10.3°C at 8:30 AM, while Palam recorded a slightly lower 8.6°C. The IMD forecasts a drop in minimum temperature to around 9°C, with the maximum temperature likely to settle at 18°C. “Dense fog” is expected to persist throughout the day.
Local resident Govind Upadhyay welcomed the chilly conditions, stating, “The winter is getting its form as it is December. This is good as it will be helpful for crops.”
In response to the cold, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has installed 235 pagoda tents and set up night shelters in areas such as AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and Nizamuddin flyover to assist the homeless.
The city’s air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 179 at 8:00 AM, categorized as “moderate” by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). For context, AQI between 101 and 200 is considered moderate, while readings above 200 indicate poor or worse conditions.
Fog and Cold Extend Across Northern India
In Uttar Pradesh, Prayagraj reported a minimum temperature of 12°C, prompting residents to use shelter homes to combat the cold. Ayodhya experienced dense fog, with the minimum temperature dropping to 9°C.
Punjab’s Jalandhar also witnessed foggy conditions, though residents continued their daily activities. Amid this, the IMD has predicted a gradual dip in temperatures over the next few days across northwest and central India, including Delhi.
Dr. Naresh Kumar, an IMD scientist, stated, “Temperatures will fall gradually. We are expecting temperatures to drop by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius in many parts of northwest and central India.”
The IMD also issued a dense fog warning for Punjab and Haryana over the next two days, cautioning that visibility issues could disrupt travel plans.
While temperatures have remained slightly above normal for December, they are expected to return to typical seasonal levels soon. “Cold conditions are expected today, particularly in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana regions,” Dr. Kumar noted. However, he clarified, “No cold wave is expected in Delhi at this stage.”