Delhi residents faced a hazardous Sunday morning as toxic smog enveloped the capital, pushing air quality into the 'severe+' category. The Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to a dangerous 489 in Anand Vihar, marking one of the worst pollution episodes this season.
IMD Sounds Alarm on Cold Wave Conditions
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a cold wave alert as temperatures dropped sharply across Delhi. Multiple locations recorded minimum temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius, with Safdarjung reporting 4.4°C and Ayanagar at 4.9°C on Saturday.
IMD's latest weather bulletin predicts partly cloudy skies with moderate to dense fog during morning hours. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 21°C to 23°C, while minimum temperatures will stay between 04°C to 06°C. These readings indicate below-normal minimum temperatures and above-normal maximum temperatures for the region.
Air Quality Crisis Worsens
Delhi's 24-hour average AQI stood at 437 at 6:30 AM, firmly in the 'severe' category according to Central Pollution Control Board data. The situation deteriorated further at numerous monitoring stations where AQI crossed the 450 mark, entering the 'severe+' range.
Areas most affected include:
- Wazirpur and Sonia Vihar
- Rohini and RK Puram
- Punjabi Bagh and Patparganj
- North Campus and Nehru Nagar
- Mundka and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
- Dwarka Sector 8 and Chandni Chowk
- Burari Crossing and Bawana
- Ashok Vihar and Anand Vihar
Flight Operations Disrupted
Low visibility caused significant disruptions at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. Authorities recorded just 350 meters visibility at 6:00 AM, prompting implementation of Low Visibility Procedures. Airport officials issued passenger advisories warning about potential flight delays and cancellations.
IMD Issues Red Alert for Fog
The weather office issued a nowcast warning for fog across multiple Delhi locations. A red alert remains in effect until 8:15 AM for several districts including South East Delhi, East Delhi, Shahadra, Central Delhi, North East Delhi, South Delhi, New Delhi, South West Delhi, West Delhi, North West Delhi, and North Delhi.
Remaining parts of Delhi are under yellow alert for fog conditions. IMD forecasts dense fog to persist over northwest India and Bihar for the next three to four days, extending the challenging weather pattern.
The combination of severe air pollution and cold wave conditions creates a double health hazard for Delhi's residents. Authorities continue monitoring the situation as citizens brace for continued poor air quality and chilly temperatures.
