The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has anticipated a chilly day in Delhi with the maximum temperature expected to reach around 13 degrees Celsius. However, the city experienced a minimum temperature of 9.4 degrees Celsius, slightly above the seasonal average.
The morning in Delhi was marked by dense to moderate fog, significantly impacting traffic and rail movement. The weatherman noted that the dense fog persisted for about two hours, with Palam recording the lowest visibility of 150 meters at 3:30 a.m. By 8 a.m., visibility had slightly improved to 400 meters at both Palam and Safdarjung.
The fog-related challenges also affected train schedules, causing delays for 22 trains bound for Delhi. The delays, primarily attributed to fog-related issues in the northern region, resulted in the highest delay reported for trains arriving in Delhi, ranging from five to six hours.
The air quality in several parts of the city remained in the 'very poor' category. At Anand Vihar, PM2.5 levels stood at 318, categorized as 'very poor,' while PM10 reached 191, classified as 'moderate,' according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The Air Quality Index (AQI) classifications range from 'good' to 'severe,' with AQI levels between zero and 50 considered 'good' and 401 to 500 categorized as 'severe.' The Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport T3 recorded PM2.5 levels at 206, falling under the 'poor' category, while PM10 measured 129, classified as 'moderate.'
The combination of chilly temperatures, fog-related disruptions, and ongoing concerns about air quality continues to shape the environmental conditions in Delhi.
(With Agency Inputs)
ALSO READ | Delhi Affected by Shallow Fog, Impacts Visibility in the City
ALSO READ | Delhi Rings in 2024 Amid Shallow Fog and 'Very Poor' Air Quality
