Delhi-NCR grappled with fog and cold wave conditions, causing ‘poor’ air quality for the second consecutive day. The Air Quality Index in the capital city worsened slightly to 286 from 244 on Monday. Despite this, a temporary shift to the ‘moderate’ category is predicted by the Air Quality Early Warning System, with a return to ‘poor’ levels expected on January 7 and 8, persisting for the next six days.
Harsh weather persisted as fog covered significant areas, leading to disruptions in road and air travel during the early hours. The India Meteorological Department forecasts a gradual 2-3 degrees Celsius drop in minimum temperatures across northwest India over the next four days, with similar declines anticipated in central and eastern regions within two days.
On Tuesday, temperatures are estimated to range from 7 to 19 degrees Celsius, with Monday seeing a maximum of 18.5 degrees Celsius, slightly below normal. Safdarjung recorded a maximum of 18 degrees Celsius, while Palam, Lodhi Road, Ridge, and Ayanagar reported temperatures ranging from 15.3 to 17.8 degrees Celsius.
Amid the challenging conditions, Delhi Airport issued an advisory urging passengers to stay informed about flight operations. Several airlines, including IndiGo, cautioned travelers about potential disruptions due to low visibility and fog in various cities. Passengers were advised to monitor their flight status closely and seek assistance from airline officials as needed.
Authorities have recommended that residents, particularly the elderly and those with respiratory issues, limit outdoor exposure due to the elevated cold and pollution levels.
