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Delhi Chokes in 'Severe' Smog as Cold Wave and Dense Fog Grip Capital

Delhi residents faced a severe air quality crisis with an AQI of 437, compounded by dense fog and a sharp cold wave. The India Meteorological Department issued alerts as temperatures plunged below 5 degrees Celsius in many areas. Visibility dropped significantly, prompting the airport to enact Low Visibility Procedures for flights. The hazardous conditions have raised serious health alarms, especially for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

Key Points: Delhi Air Quality Severe Amid Cold Wave and Dense Fog

  • AQI hits severe 437
  • Dense fog reduces visibility
  • IMD issues cold wave alert
  • Flight ops under low visibility procedures
2 min read

Delhi suffocates under 'severe' air quality as cold wave, dense fog tighten grip

Delhi's AQI hits severe levels of 437 as a cold wave and dense fog reduce visibility, raising major health concerns for residents.

"Delhi's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 437 at 6:30 a.m., categorising it as 'severe' - Central Pollution Control Board"

New Delhi, Jan 18

Residents of Delhi woke up to alarming air quality levels on Sunday morning as a thick blanket of toxic smog and dense fog engulfed the national capital, pushing pollution levels into the 'severe' category.

The situation worsened further with a sharp drop in temperatures, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a cold wave alert across several parts of the city.

According to IMD data, Delhi's primary weather station at Safdarjung recorded a minimum temperature of 4.4 degrees Celsius on Saturday, while Ayanagar registered a low of 4.9 degrees Celsius. Several other locations also experienced temperatures below the 5-degree Celsius mark, indicating intensified winter conditions.

In its latest weather bulletin, the IMD forecasted a partly cloudy sky for Delhi, with moderate fog expected at many places and dense fog at isolated locations during the morning hours. The department stated that the maximum temperature is likely to remain between 21 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may hover between 4 and 6 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality continued to deteriorate sharply. The city's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 437 at 6:30 a.m., categorising it as 'severe', according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Several monitoring stations reported AQI levels exceeding 450, placing them in the 'severe+' category. Areas such as Wazirpur, Sonia Vihar, Rohini, RK Puram, Punjabi Bagh, Patparganj, North Campus, Nehru Nagar, Mundka, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Dwarka Sector 8, Chandni Chowk, Burari Crossing, Bawana, Ashok Vihar, and Anand Vihar recorded extremely hazardous air quality levels.

The weather office also issued a nowcast warning for fog at multiple locations due to significantly reduced visibility. In response, Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport released a passenger advisory, stating that Low Visibility Procedures were in effect. While flight operations were reported to be normal, passengers were advised to check with their respective airlines for real-time updates.

The combined impact of severe air pollution, dense fog, and cold wave conditions has raised health concerns, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as winter conditions intensify across the region.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Stuck at IGI for 3 hours because of the fog. Advisory came too late! While I understand it's a weather issue, the airport authorities and airlines need better coordination and real-time communication. Passengers are left completely in the dark.
A
Aman W
Living in Anand Vihar, which is mentioned in the 'severe+' list. It's like breathing poison. We have invested in air purifiers but what about the people who can't afford them? The government's focus seems to be only on data monitoring, not on providing relief to citizens.
D
David E
Working here on a project from London. The contrast is shocking. My colleagues are all wearing masks and talking about air purifiers like they are essential appliances, not luxuries. This is a serious public health crisis that needs immediate global attention.
S
Shreya B
The cold wave plus this toxic air is a deadly combination, especially for our elders. My grandmother's asthma has worsened terribly. We need more clean air shelters or public spaces with filtered air, like some other countries have started.
V
Vikram M
Every year the same story. IMD issues alerts, CPCB records 'severe' AQI, articles are written, and then we forget by summer. When will concrete, multi-state action be taken? The GRAP measures are clearly not enough. Time for our leaders to step up.

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

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