Dense fog and cold wave grips Delhi; IMD issues warning for Himachal Pradesh, J-K

The IMD has already issued warnings for severe cold wave conditions in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and other remote northern regions.

New Delhi: Delhi woke up to a blanket of thick fog on Saturday morning, significantly reducing the visibility across the city. Safdarjung recorded the minimum at 7.6°C, while the maximum temperature is expected to reach 23°C later in the day. Meanwhile other areas like Palam, recorded temperatures at 8.7°C. The dense fog combined with cold weather created difficult conditions for commuters throughout the morning.

Despite of the cold weather conditions, rehearsals for the Republic Day parade continued at Kartavya Path. However, the ongoing cold wave and dense fog added to the difficulties of the event due to poor visibility and air quality.

IMD Predictions

The IMD has already issued warnings for severe cold wave conditions in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and other remote northern regions. Cold waves are also likely to continue in isolated parts of Punjab and Rajasthan with dense fog likely to prevail over parts of Himachal Pradesh and eastern Rajasthan.

Delhi is not the only place experiencing harsh weather conditions. The IMD had predicted earlier that the cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are likely to prevail over major parts of North India in the next two days. A sharp drop in temperatures was also seen Delhi earlier this week at a minimum temperature of 7°C.

Severe air quality in Delhi

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi on December 21 reached a hazardous mark of 398, falling into the “severe” category. Some parts of the city recorded the highest AQI levels such as Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 414, Dwarka Sector 8 recorded 413, and Rohini measured 425. While other parts of the city, including Lodhi Road and North Campus of Delhi University, reported AQI levels of 362 and 376, respectively. The air quality in the national capital continues to remain in poor category, with residents advised to limit outdoor activities, particularly those with respiratory conditions

Advisory for residents

In consideration with worsening air conditions, the health experts have advised residents, especially children and those with respiratory problems to remain indoors as much as possible. The residents have been asked to monitor the AQI and take appropriate precautions for health protection in this extreme weather condition.