Delhi Fog Disrupts Travel as Cold wave Grips North India; AQI Improves Slightly
Delhiites woke up to a thick blanket of fog on Saturday morning, as persistent cold weather and low visibility disrupted daily life across the city.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted “very dense fog” for the day, with temperatures hovering around 11°C at 7:30 am. The minimum temperature was expected to drop to 7°C, while the maximum was forecasted to reach 19°C.
The foggy conditions severely impacted travel, with several flights at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and trains headed to the national capital facing delays. According to reports, the fog is expected to persist for the next three days, with rain or thunderstorms likely on January 22 and 23.
Air Quality Improves, GRAP Restrictions Lifted
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In a silver lining, DelhiS air quality showed signs of improvement on Friday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 248 by Saturday morning.This improvement prompted the Commission for air quality Management (CAQM) to revoke Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
“As per the air quality and weather forecast provided by IMD/IITM, there is a likelihood of AQI to remain in the lower end of the Very Poor category in the coming days owing to favourable meteorological conditions and strong wind speeds,” the CAQM stated.
GRAP, which categorizes air quality into four stages, is enforced during winters in the Delhi-NCR region. The stages range from Stage 1 (Poor, AQI 201-300) to Stage 4 (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).
Cold Wave and Fog Blanket North India
The cold wave gripping North India has brought dense fog to several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. In Prayagraj, where the 2025 Mahakumbh Mela is underway, visibility was severely affected. Similarly, Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh saw near-zero visibility on roads.
Higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh experienced light to moderate snowfall, with temperatures ranging between 1-5°C. The IMD has issued warnings of cold wave conditions in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh from January 17-19.
The weather department also predicted dense to very dense fog in Punjab, haryana, Chandigarh, and East Rajasthan over the next few days. While minimum temperatures in Northwest India are expected to remain stable for the next 48 hours, a gradual increase of 2-3°C is anticipated thereafter.
Key Highlights at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Temperature in Delhi | Min: 7°C, Max: 19°C |
| AQI (Saturday) | 248 (Lower end of Very Poor category) |
| GRAP Stage | Stage III restrictions revoked |
| Fog Impact | Over 100 flights and 27 trains delayed |
| Weather Forecast | Rain/thunderstorms expected on January 22-23 |
| cold Wave Regions | Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan |
As Delhi braces for more fog and fluctuating temperatures, residents are advised to stay updated on weather forecasts and plan their travel accordingly. The slight improvement in air quality offers a brief respite, but the region remains vulnerable to pollution spikes during the winter months.
(With inputs from agencies)
delhi Fog, Cold Wave, and Air Quality: Expert Insights on whether and Pollution Trends
As Delhi grapples with dense fog, a persistent cold wave, and fluctuating air quality, we sat down with Dr. Ananya sharma, a renowned meteorologist and environmental scientist, to discuss the current weather conditions, their impact on daily life, and the broader implications for air quality management. Dr. Sharma shares her expertise on the factors driving these trends and what residents can expect in the coming days.
Understanding the Current Weather Conditions
Senior Editor: Dr. Sharma, Delhi has been experiencing dense fog and a severe cold wave. What are the primary factors contributing to these conditions?
Dr. Ananya Sharma: the current weather in delhi is a result of a combination of factors. the cold wave is primarily due to the influx of cold air from the Himalayas,which is typical during this time of year. The dense fog, on the other hand, is caused by high moisture levels in the lower atmosphere, combined with calm winds and low temperatures. These conditions trap pollutants and moisture close to the ground, reducing visibility considerably.
Impact on Travel and Daily Life
Senior Editor: The fog has caused notable disruptions at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and train services. How long do you expect these conditions to persist?
Dr. Ananya Sharma: Unfortunately, the fog is expected to persist for the next three days, with visibility likely to remain poor, especially during the early morning and late evening hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also predicted rain or thunderstorms on January 22 and 23, which coudl further complicate travel plans. I advise travelers to stay updated on weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
Air quality Betterment and GRAP Restrictions
Senior Editor: Delhi’s air quality has shown some improvement, leading to the revocation of Stage III GRAP restrictions. What has contributed to this improvement?
Dr. Ananya Sharma: The improvement in air quality is largely due to favorable meteorological conditions, including stronger wind speeds that help disperse pollutants. Additionally,the recent dip in temperature has reduced the formation of secondary pollutants like ozone. However, it’s important to note that the AQI is still in the “Very Poor” category, and we must remain vigilant. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has done well to monitor the situation and adjust restrictions accordingly.
Cold Wave and Fog Across North India
Senior Editor: The cold wave and fog are not limited to Delhi. How are other regions in North India being affected?
Dr. Ananya Sharma: The cold wave and fog are widespread across North India,affecting states like Uttar Pradesh,Madhya Pradesh,Himachal Pradesh,Punjab,and Haryana. In Prayagraj, for instance, visibility has been severely impacted, which is concerning given the ongoing mahakumbh Mela. Higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh have also experienced light to moderate snowfall,with temperatures ranging between 1-5°C. The IMD has issued warnings for cold wave conditions in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh from January 17-19.
Key Highlights and Future Predictions
Senior Editor: Could you summarize the key highlights and what residents can expect in the coming days?
Dr.Ananya Sharma: Certainly. Here’s a swift overview:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature in Delhi | Min: 7°C,Max: 19°C |
| AQI (saturday) | 248 (Lower end of Very Poor category) |
| GRAP Stage | stage III restrictions revoked |
| Fog Impact | Over 100 flights and 27 trains delayed |
| Weather Forecast | Rain/thunderstorms expected on January 22-23 |
| Cold Wave Regions | Uttar pradesh,Madhya Pradesh,Himachal Pradesh,Punjab,Haryana,Rajasthan |
Residents should brace for more fog and fluctuating temperatures in the coming days. While the slight improvement in air quality offers some respite, the region remains vulnerable to pollution spikes during the winter months. Staying informed and planning ahead is crucial.
(With inputs from agencies)
