Delhi-NCR shrouded in dense fog, visibility zero due to fog and smog; AQI reaches 493 at Akshardham

Delhi-NCR Shrouded In Dense Fog:  Winter has intensified in North India. The Meteorological Department says that dense fog is likely in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, and northeastern Madhya Pradesh for the next two days. Meanwhile, a thick blanket of haze hangs over the plains, including Delhi-NCR, due to dense fog and low winds, reducing visibility to zero. This is causing vehicles to crawl on the roads.

This will lead to snowfall in the mountains, followed by cold winds from the north, causing a significant drop in temperatures in the plains.

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According to the CPCB, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached the 'severe' category in several major areas of the city, posing a serious health risk.

Delhi-NCR is unlikely to get any relief from pollution

According to the CPCB, the AQI was recorded at 474 on Barakhamba Road, which falls in the 'severe' category. The smog is so dense here that visibility is extremely low, causing difficulties for drivers. Similarly, the AQI was 417 on Pandit Pant Marg, while it reached 483 on Sardar Patel Marg – both at 'severe' levels. Pictures from these areas clearly show a thick layer of smog, with buildings and vehicles disappearing into the haze.

Visibility zero due to fog and smog

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), a Western Disturbance active over the upper reaches of North Pakistan will affect the Western Himalayas from the night of December 17, leading to light rain or heavy snowfall in the upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Temperature to drop by up to 2 degrees

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Following this snowfall, cold winds from the north will reach the plains, which could cause the minimum temperature to drop by up to 2 degrees Celsius. Keeping this in mind, the IMD has issued a warning of falling temperatures in Northwest India over the next three days.

AQI reaches 493 at Akshardham

Experts say that many high-altitude areas have not yet received snowfall, which is a delay compared to normal and a clear indication of climate change. Usually, the mountains would be covered in snow by the end of November or the first week of December, but this time the mountains are dry. However, the approaching Western Disturbance could bring heavy snowfall and compensate for this deficit.

Summary 

Meanwhile, air pollution in Delhi-NCR is continuously increasing due to fog and calm winds. Currently, Delhi's AQI is in the 'Severe' category, which is dangerous for health. The IMD says that pollution will continue to increase due to the fog. However, the cold winds after the snowfall may provide some relief.