IMD warns of persisting fog as Delhi records warmest January day since 2019

Delhi: A thick blanket of dense fog covered Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Saturday morning, significantly reducing visibility on the roads. The intense weather conditions raised concerns over travel disruptions, with flights and trains likely to be affected. At 7 AM, the capital recorded a temperature of 11.2 degrees Celsius, while the air quality index (AQI) stood at 353, categorized as "very poor" according to the Sameer app.

Poor visibility hampers traffic and travel

Visuals from key locations such as Barapullah Flyover, India Gate, and the Delhi-Jaipur Highway depicted severely low visibility due to the dense fog. Authorities at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) issued an advisory for passengers, warning of possible delays.

"While landings and take-offs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may get affected. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted," read a statement posted on X by IGI Airport.

A warmer January than usual

Despite the foggy conditions, Delhi has witnessed an unusually warm January. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Friday’s maximum temperature soared to 27 degrees Celsius, making it the warmest January day since 2019. The month’s average high temperature was recorded at 21.1 degrees Celsius, slightly above the long-term average of 20.1 degrees Celsius.

Weather expert Mahesh Palawat attributed the warmer temperatures to the absence of strong western disturbances. "If we had one or two strong systems, we would have seen colder conditions due to icy winds and cloudiness. Instead, temperatures rose quickly," he explained.

Air quality to remain 'Very Poor'

Delhi’s air pollution levels continue to be a major concern. The AQI forecast indicates that air quality will remain in the “very poor” category until February 3, with slight improvements expected in the following days. "From February 1 to 3, Delhi's air quality is likely to remain 'very poor.' It may be 'poor' in the subsequent days," stated the Centre’s Early Warning System for Delhi.