NewKerala.com

Delhi-NCR Shivers as Cold Wave and Poor Air Quality Grip Region

Delhi and the National Capital Region are grappling with a severe cold wave coupled with dangerously poor air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the "poor" to "very poor" category, with readings exceeding 350 in some locations. Dense fog across the country disrupted air travel, though Delhi-NCR saw minimal flight delays. Meteorologists warn that fog traps pollutants, worsening exposure, and the harsh conditions are expected to continue in the coming days.

Key Points: Delhi-NCR Cold Wave and High Pollution Impact Health

  • Severe cold wave hits Delhi-NCR
  • AQI in "poor" to "very poor" category
  • Dense fog causes flight delays nationwide
  • Health advisory for vulnerable groups
  • Conditions expected to persist
2 min read

Delhi-NCR grapples with cold wave, poor air quality

Delhi-NCR faces severe cold and poor air quality with AQI above 300. Dense fog and winds worsen conditions, prompting health advisories.

"fog traps pollutant particles close to the ground, prolonging exposure and worsening air quality - Meteorologists"

New Delhi, Jan 7

Delhi and the NCR region, including Noida and Greater Noida, were facing severe cold conditions coupled with high pollution levels on Wednesday, making mornings particularly harsh for residents.

Strong winds have intensified the chill, while air quality has deteriorated to the "poor" category in most areas, raising concerns for public health.

Delhi recorded an AQI of 302 at 7 a.m., with several areas entering the red zone and some locations reporting levels above 350.

AQI readings across Noida and Greater Noida highlight the severity of the situation.

Noida Sector 116 registered 327, Sector 125 stood at 312, Sector 1 at 315, and Sector 62 at 274. In Greater Noida, Knowledge Park 5 recorded 328, and Knowledge Park 3 had an AQI of 296.

Earlier on Tuesday, the city's AQI was 310 at 4 p.m. According to CPCB, 28 monitoring stations noted "very poor" AQI, nine recorded "poor" AQI and one station registered "moderate" AQI.

Meanwhile, Delhi recorded its first cold day of the year on Tuesday as maximum temperatures dipped sharply, bringing a noticeable chill to the national capital.

Dense fog affected several airports across the country on Wednesday morning, causing flight delays, though the impact in Delhi-NCR was relatively minimal. Meteorologists explained that fog traps pollutant particles close to the ground, prolonging exposure and worsening air quality.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported maximum temperatures ranging between 13 degrees Celsius and 16 degrees Celsius in the region.

Residents are being advised, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues, to take precautions and limit outdoor activity. With strong winds continuing and pollution levels remaining high, the chill and poor air quality are expected to persist in Delhi-NCR over the coming days.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The combination of cold and pollution is brutal. My morning walk is completely off the table. It feels like we're just being told to stay indoors every winter. What about solutions for the rest of the year to prevent this?
A
Aman W
Living in Greater Noida, the visibility is near zero in the mornings. The fog plus pollution is a deadly mix. Commute to Delhi for work has become a health hazard. Stay safe everyone, and mask up properly if you must go out.
S
Sarah B
As an expat here, the scale of this is shocking. Back home, an AQI of 150 would be a major news event. Here, 300+ is just "another day in winter." My heart goes out to the elderly and kids who are most vulnerable.
V
Vikram M
While the situation is bad, I must respectfully point out that we citizens also share the blame. Diwali crackers, waste burning, and preference for personal vehicles over public transport all add up. Time for collective responsibility, not just blaming the government.
K
Kavya N
My mother's asthma has flared up badly. The doctor's advice is to literally not step outside. This is no way to live. We need a war-footing approach to clean air, just like other national missions. 🌫️

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50