Along with chilling temperatures, dense Fog, Delhi's AQI soars to 'severe' levels, poses high health risks

New Delhi: A thick blanket of fog enveloped Delhi on Friday morning, leading to a complete halt in visibility and causing significant disruptions to daily life across the national capital. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that temperatures plummeted to a chilling 9.6 degrees Celsius at 5:30 AM. Forecasts suggest that the minimum temperature may further decrease to around 6 degrees Celsius, while the maximum is expected to reach approximately 20 degrees Celsius amid the prevailing "very dense fog."

Flight Operations Disrupted by Fog

The dense fog had a considerable impact on flight operations at Delhi Airport, prompting officials to issue advisories for travelers. The advisory stated, "Due to dense fog, there has been an impact on flight departures. However, flights compliant with CAT III technology are landing and departing from Delhi Airport.

Passengers are requested to contact their respective airlines for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted." This situation has left many travelers scrambling for alternative arrangements as delays and cancellations became commonplace.

Severe Decline in Air Quality

In addition to the weather challenges, Delhi's air quality dipped into the 'severe' category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to 409 at 7 AM, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board. This marked a stark increase from Thursday’s AQI of 299. The AQI scale categorizes readings between 401 and 500 as 'severe,' indicating serious health risks for residents and necessitating immediate actions to mitigate exposure.

Night Shelters at Full Capacity Amid Cold Wave

As temperatures continued to drop, night shelters across Delhi reached full capacity, highlighting the urgent needs of the homeless population. In response, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) set up 235 pagoda tents in strategic locations such as AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and the Nizamuddin flyover.

These shelters offer critical support for individuals facing harsh winter conditions, ensuring they have a safe place to stay during this cold wave.Delhi is currently grappling with the dual challenges of severe pollution and falling temperatures, exacerbated by dense fog that disrupts transportation and daily activities. The situation underscores the need for immediate attention to both environmental and social issues facing the city.