Dense Smog And Fog Grip Delhi; IMD Issues Yellow Alert

Dense smog and fog shrouded large parts of Delhi on Saturday morning, significantly reducing visibility and affecting daily life across the city.

Thick haze hid prominent landmarks, including Rashtrapati Bhawan and India Gate, and sharply reduced visibility on Kartavya Path, slowing traffic and disrupting travel.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), accessed through the SAMEER app, recorded Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) at 235 on Saturday morning, placing it in the ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ category.

Authorities advised residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activity as air quality deteriorates.

The Air Quality Early Warning System predicts that the AQI will remain in the ‘poor’ category on Saturday and could worsen to ‘very poor’ between January 4 and January 5, depending on weather conditions.

IMD Issues Yellow Alert and Weather Forecast

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Delhi-NCR, warning of dense fog in the early hours.

Officials forecast the minimum temperature to range between 6 and 8 degrees Celsius, down from Friday’s minimum of 9 degrees.

Forecasters expect the maximum temperature on Saturday to hover around 18 degrees Celsius, with fog persisting during the morning.

The IMD also warned of a cold wave in isolated areas of Delhi between January 3 and January 6. A cold wave is declared when minimum temperatures fall 4.5 to 6.5 degrees Celsius below the seasonal average. Similar conditions are expected in parts of Haryana.

Despite the haze, Delhi has seen a slight improvement in air quality compared to earlier in the week. On Friday, the 24-hour average AQI stood at 236, improving from 380 recorded the previous day. Weather officials attributed the change to shifts in wind patterns and temperature.

Friday’s maximum temperature was 17.4 degrees Celsius, nearly 1.9 degrees below normal, while the minimum reached 9.1 degrees Celsius, about 2.2 degrees above the seasonal average.

Authorities continue to monitor conditions closely and urge citizens to remain cautious as winter intensifies across the region.

Also Read: Cold Wave To Grip Delhi Till January 5 As Fog Disrupts Daily Life