With November approaching, residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are likely to wake up to colder, foggier mornings, even as air pollution continues to intensify.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), minimum temperatures will start to dip from 1 November, while daytime highs are likely to remain between 30 and 31 degrees Celsius.
The IMD has ruled out any possibility of rainfall in the coming days. Between 30 October and 4 November, skies will stay clear, though light fog and mist may form during early mornings and evenings, the department noted.
On Thursday, the capital is forecast to record a high of 30 degrees Celsius and a low of 18 degrees, which may drop further to 17 degrees by 1 November.
Meteorologists suggest this gradual fall signals the early onset of winter. However, they warn that the cooler weather could worsen pollution levels across the city.
Experts explain that cold, dry air prevents pollutants from dispersing, trapping them close to the ground.
With no rainfall to cleanse the atmosphere, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR is likely to remain in the ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ range over the next few days.
In view of the deteriorating air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and other environmental bodies are likely to activate the next phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
These tougher measures may involve halting construction and demolition work, restricting heavy vehicle entry, increasing street cleaning, and deploying regular water sprinkling to suppress dust.
Humidity levels are anticipated to vary between 60 and 85 per cent, creating ideal conditions for fog and smog, particularly during morning and evening hours.
Health Advisory Issued
Health professionals have urged residents to minimise outdoor activities, especially children and the elderly, and to wear protective masks when outside.
If the dry weather continues, pollution levels could deteriorate further in the first week of November, potentially leading to respiratory and eye discomfort among residents.
The cooling trend extends beyond Delhi-NCR. Across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, people have turned off fans and air conditioners, opting for light blankets at night.
Winter’s arrival is slowly unfolding across northern India.
While Delhi and Uttarakhand are experiencing a mild chill, parts of Uttar Pradesh are turning noticeably colder due to recent rainfall and gusty winds.
Meteorologists predict temperatures will drop further across the region in early November, signalling the full arrival of winter.
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