Delhi-NCR witnessed its first instance of zero visibility this season on Wednesday morning, with dense fog and smoke blanketing the roads. Vehicles were seen moving slowly due to reduced visibility as early as 6 AM, with cold weather intensifying the situation.
27 Decemeber Delhi-NCR’s Weather Conditions:
- Severe Fog in Key Areas: Safdarjung in Delhi recorded a visibility of 50 meters, while Palam experienced 125 meters. This dense fog has significantly impacted the daily commute.
- Visibility in Other Regions: Various places, including Amritsar Airport in Punjab, Patiala, Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Jhansi, Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, and Ganganagar in Rajasthan, reported very low visibility ranging from 0 to 200 meters.
- Meteorological Department’s Report: The department noted dense fog in Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, northern Rajasthan, northern Madhya Pradesh, northwest India, and parts of central India.
- Tuesday’s Weather Conditions in Delhi-NCR:
- Flights and trains were delayed due to dense fog.
- Maximum temperature in Delhi was 23.8 degrees Celsius.
- Visibility issues affected many areas, and the air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category.
- Approximately 30 flights, including international ones, were delayed at Delhi Airport.
- Fog caused delays in the arrival of 14 trains.
- Visibility at Safdarjung and Palam: Safdarjung reported 200 meters, and Palam Station reported 100 meters visibility on Tuesday morning.
- IMD Official’s Statement: At IGI Airport in Delhi, normal visibility was recorded at 50 meters at 10 AM on Tuesday, with Runway Visual Range (RVR) between 125 and 275 meters in dense fog conditions.
- Temperature and AQI: The minimum temperature was 7 degrees Celsius, one degree below normal. The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 378 at 4 PM.
- Weather Forecast: The Meteorological Office has issued a warning for clear skies and dense to very dense fog on Wednesday and Thursday.
This sudden onset of dense fog has not only disrupted transportation but also raised concerns regarding air quality and health safety. Residents of Delhi-NCR are advised to take necessary precautions while commuting and stay informed about the latest weather updates. The situation also underscores the need for effective measures to combat air pollution, a recurring issue in the region during the winter months.