A dense fog blanketed Delhi on Monday, accompanied by a severe cold wave and light rainfall. The city’s temperatures dipped to a minimum of 8 degrees Celsius, while the maximum reached 20 degrees Celsius.
Footage revealed individuals seeking shelter in night homes on Lodhi Road to shield themselves from the biting cold. A local resident noted, “Temperatures have decreased due to the rainfall, which began early this morning around 5 AM.”
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted an increased number of colder-than-usual days across northwestern India this winter.
Additionally, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi remained in the ‘severe’ category, registering 403 at 7 AM, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Areas throughout the national capital exhibited similarly alarming levels of air pollution. Anand Vihar reported an AQI of 439, Ashok Vihar 456, Bawana 473, CRRI Mathura Road 406, and Narela 430.
The AQI classifications are as follows: 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor, and 401-500 severe.
In response to the deteriorating air quality, GRAP stage IV measures have been enforced across the National Capital Region since December 16. Earlier, on December 22, the AQI in Delhi was categorized as ‘very poor,’ which significantly limited visibility in the area.
According to the CPCB, the AQI stood at 388 at 7 AM on Sunday, while on Saturday, it was 398. In various parts of the capital, the AQI was measured at 384 at ITO, 372 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, 354 at DTU, 372 at IGI Airport (T3), and 381 at DU North Campus at 7 AM on Sunday. However, several locations, including Alipur (411), Anand Vihar (427), and RK Puram (408), continued to exhibit ‘severe’ AQI readings.
