A thick layer of fog blanketed parts of Delhi early Thursday morning, significantly reducing visibility across the national capital. The dense fog, coupled with cold waves, contributed to elevated levels of air pollution, with the city’s air quality falling into the ‘very poor’ category.
As of 7 am, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 344, a sharp rise from the previous day’s AQI of 252. Areas across Delhi have reported alarming AQI levels, indicating severe pollution. Key locations include:
- Lodhi Road: AQI of 287 (IITM), 291 (IMD)
- Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium: AQI of 368
- Mandir Marg: AQI of 378
- Mundka: AQI of 372
- NSIT Dwarka: AQI of 242
- Narela: AQI of 377
- Nehru Nagar: AQI of 394
- North Campus, DU: AQI of 382
- Vivek Vihar: AQI of 414 (highest in the city)
- Wazirpur: AQI of 408
An AQI between 301 and 400 is considered ‘very poor’, and between 401 and 500 is categorized as ‘severe’.
Visuals from Nirankari Colony and Shankar Vihar on NH 48 showcased the thick fog that enveloped the city, making morning commute hazardous. Despite the visibility issues, commuters had to proceed with caution as headlights were used to navigate through the fog.
Meanwhile, the cold wave and winter conditions have also affected Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, with both states experiencing dense fog this morning. The cold has severely impacted daily life, reducing visibility and prompting many to huddle around bonfires for warmth. In Hooghly city, West Bengal, thick fog has caused significant disruptions, while Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh reported temperatures below 9°C, with dense fog in the area. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that the minimum temperature in Moradabad will remain low, exacerbating the cold wave.
The adverse weather conditions are expected to persist, affecting visibility, air quality, and public life across these regions.