Delhi residents awoke to a dense fog and a chilly morning, experiencing a minimum temperature of 4.8 degrees Celsius, which is three notches below the seasonal average, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
According to the IMD's forecast, the maximum temperature is expected to reach around 19 degrees Celsius on Thursday, accompanied by a "partly cloudy sky."
The dense fog significantly impacted visibility in Delhi, with readings of 25 meters at Delhi-Palam and 50 meters at Safdarjung at 5:30 a.m. This led to disruptions in flight and train operations, causing delays.
The air quality in several areas across the city remained in the 'very poor' category. In the Anand Vihar area, PM2.5 levels at 9 a.m. were recorded at 304, classified as 'very poor,' and PM10 reached 166, categorized as 'moderate,' according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is used as a measure, with values between zero and 50 considered 'good,' 51-100 'satisfactory,' 101-200 'moderate,' 201-300 'poor,' 301-400 'very poor,' and 401-500 'severe.'
At the IGI Airport T3, PM2.5 levels were at 156, and PM10 was at 113, falling under the 'moderate' category, respectively. The weather conditions and air quality underscore the need for caution and preparedness among Delhiites during this period of foggy and chilly weather.
(With Agency Inputs)
ALSO READ | IMD Forecasts Persistent Dense Fog Across North India for Next Five Days
