Increased Cold in Delhi
Snowfall in the mountains has led to a noticeable drop in temperatures in Delhi. As the mercury falls, thick fog has started to settle in, making the mornings quite chilly. The Meteorological Department has warned that fog has been present in several areas since early morning, and smog is expected to develop later in the evening and into the night. This change in weather is making it increasingly difficult for people to navigate the city as visibility decreases.
Temperature and Fog Alerts
The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for fog, extending into tomorrow as well. On Thursday morning, the cold was palpable, with temperatures dropping significantly across the city. For instance, Najafgarh recorded a minimum temperature of 6.3 degrees Celsius, while Aya Nagar dipped to 5.4 degrees. Other areas like Lodhi Road and Palam also reported low temperatures, contributing to the chilly atmosphere. The heavy fog has slowed down traffic in Delhi-NCR, making commutes longer and more hazardous.
Air Quality Concerns
In addition to the cold and fog, air quality in Delhi has also become a pressing issue. Many areas recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 400, indicating unhealthy conditions. For example, Anand Vihar and Ashok Vihar recorded alarming AQI levels of 478 and 474, respectively. The previous day, the minimum temperature was already below normal at 7.3 degrees Celsius, leaving people feeling quite cold. Despite a brief appearance of the sun during the day, the fog rolled in before evening, and the low wind speeds did little to alleviate the smog. As evening approached, cooler winds swept through the area, marking a stark contrast to the day’s temperature of 23 degrees Celsius, which was still above normal.
