Large parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) woke up to dense fog and hazardous air quality on Tuesday morning, with visibility dropping to near-zero levels in areas of Ghaziabad and Noida, disrupting road and air traffic.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), visibility at Indira Gandhi International Airport fell sharply to 50 metres around 8:00 am, raising concerns over flight operations and commuter safety.
Near-Zero Visibility Disrupts Traffic
In Ghaziabad, early morning visibility was reported to be almost nil in several pockets, increasing the risk of traffic delays and accidents. Authorities advised commuters to drive cautiously and follow traffic advisories during foggy hours.
Similar conditions were reported from Noida and other NCR regions as cold weather and stagnant winds continued to trap pollutants close to the ground.
Air Quality Remains in ‘Severe’ Category
Delhi’s air quality deteriorated further, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 414 by 8:00 am, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This places the city firmly in the ‘severe’ pollution category.
Forecasts indicate little immediate relief, with air quality expected to remain in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ range through the Christmas period.
Fog Likely to Persist
The IMD said weather conditions will continue to support fog formation during morning hours over the next few days.
In its latest bulletin, the weather department noted:
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Shallow fog is likely on December 24 and 25
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Moderate fog may prevail during mornings thereafter
Dense fog has also been forecast at isolated locations across Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, and parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Slight Rise in Temperatures
Despite the fog and pollution, temperatures in Delhi have seen only marginal changes. Maximum temperatures have risen slightly by 1–2°C, while minimum temperatures remain largely steady.
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Maximum temperature: 16°C to 18°C
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Minimum temperature: 8°C to 11°C
Flight Operations Affected
Dense fog has already impacted air travel across north India. Over the past two days, hundreds of flights have been delayed and several cancelled due to low visibility.
Officials said disruptions may continue until Tuesday as a western disturbance affects the region. Conditions are expected to gradually improve from Wednesday as wind speeds increase, helping disperse fog and pollutants.
