KKN Gurugram Desk | New Delhi: As winter tightens its grip, Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are experiencing dense fog and plunging temperatures, creating a challenging environment for residents. On Wednesday morning, Delhiites woke up to an eerily foggy city, with visibility dropping to zero in several areas. The minimum temperature was recorded at 7°C, while the maximum temperature hovered around 21.2°C.

Dense fog not only reduced visibility but also disrupted flights, trains, and daily commutes. Meanwhile, the city’s worsening air quality is adding to the woes of the residents, especially those vulnerable to respiratory issues.

Weather Report: Fog and Freezing Conditions

IMD Forecast

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of dense fog during the early hours, with conditions expected to improve by the afternoon. Calm winds, high humidity ranging from 80% to 100%, and surface wind speeds of 4 kmph in the morning have contributed to the foggy conditions.

The visibility on Tuesday dropped to 50 meters at Safdarjung and reached zero in Palam, causing significant transportation challenges.

Impact on Transportation

Air Travel

Dense fog caused major disruptions at Indira Gandhi International Airport, with over 100 flights delayed due to low visibility. However, there were no flight cancellations or diversions, as officials confirmed that flights equipped with CAT III technology for low-visibility operations continued smoothly.

Passengers were advised to check flight statuses with airlines before heading to the airport. Airlines like IndiGo issued alerts on social media, apologizing for potential delays and assuring passengers of efforts to ensure safety.

Train Delays

Indian Railways reported delays in 26 trains heading to Delhi, with some services delayed by up to four hours. The dense fog disrupted train schedules across northern India, affecting thousands of passengers.

Commuters have been urged to plan their journeys accordingly and remain updated with real-time schedules.

QAir uality: A Growing Concern

AQI Levels

The dense fog has exacerbated Delhi’s air pollution, pushing Air Quality Index (AQI) levels into the “very poor” and “severe” categories across the city. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the highest AQI was recorded at Vivek Vihar (414), falling under the severe category.

Other notable AQI readings include:

• Lodhi Road: 287 (Poor)
• Nehru Nagar: 394 (Very Poor)
• Okhla Phase-2: 380 (Very Poor)
• Shadipur: 313 (Very Poor)

Health Implications

The combination of dense fog and poor air quality is particularly hazardous for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. The IMD and CPCB have issued advisories recommending:

• Avoiding outdoor physical activities during peak pollution hours.
• Using N95 masks to reduce inhalation of harmful pollutants.
• Installing air purifiers in homes.

Causes Behind Dense Fog and Pollution

Dense fog in Delhi is the result of several meteorological and environmental factors:

1. Calm Winds: Lack of strong winds allows pollutants and moisture to accumulate near the surface.
2. High Humidity: Humidity levels between 80%-100% create ideal conditions for fog formation.
3. Temperature Inversion: Cooler ground temperatures trap warm air above, preventing pollutants from dispersing.

The situation is further worsened by vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and stubble burning in nearby states like Punjab and Haryana.

Commuter Challenges

Morning Commutes

The dense fog has made daily commutes challenging, particularly for early-morning travelers. With visibility near zero in some areas, drivers are facing difficulties navigating the roads. Authorities have advised the use of fog lights and reduced speeds to prevent accidents.

Steps Taken by Authorities

To mitigate the impact of fog and pollution, the government has implemented the following measures:

1. Air Quality Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of AQI levels to issue timely health advisories.
2. Traffic Management: Deployment of additional traffic police to manage congestion and ensure safe driving conditions.
3. Awareness Campaigns: Public advisories on safe travel and the importance of reducing outdoor activities during hazardous conditions.

Visuals from Delhi: Fog in Full Swing

Images from various parts of Delhi, such as Nirankari Colony and Shankar Vihar on NH-48, highlight the severity of the fog. Roads and highways appear ghostly, shrouded in dense mist, while early-morning commuters battle the biting cold and near-zero visibility.

Looking Ahead: Weather Predictions

The IMD has predicted:

• Improved visibility by afternoon, as wind speeds increase to 6-8 kmph.
• Smog or moderate fog is expected to persist in the evenings and nights.

However, relief from the biting cold and dense fog may not arrive immediately. Similar weather conditions are expected over the next few days, with a gradual improvement in air quality as wind patterns change.

Conclusion

The dense fog and poor air quality in Delhi serve as a grim reminder of the challenges posed by winter in the capital. While authorities are taking measures to mitigate the effects, residents must remain vigilant and prioritize safety during their daily routines. From delayed transportation to deteriorating health conditions, the impact of this weather phenomenon is being felt across all sectors.

As conditions improve by the afternoon, Delhiites can hope for some respite, but the larger issues of air pollution and climate change continue to loom large over the city.