Delhi and the NCR region, including Noida and Greater Noida, are experiencing severe cold conditions and high pollution levels, particularly in the mornings. Strong winds have worsened the chill, with air quality reaching the “poor” category in most areas, raising concerns for public health. Delhi reported an AQI of 302 at 7 a.m., with some areas entering the red zone and levels exceeding 350 in certain locations.
AQI readings in Noida and Greater Noida underscore the severity of the situation. Noida’s Sector 116 recorded 327, Sector 125 stood at 312, Sector 1 at 315, and Sector 62 at 274. In Greater Noida, Knowledge Park 5 had an AQI of 328, while Knowledge Park 3 registered 296. Earlier, on Tuesday, the city’s AQI was 310 at 4 p.m., with 28 monitoring stations noting “very poor” AQI, nine recording “poor” AQI, and one station registering “moderate” AQI.
Delhi experienced its first cold day of the year on Tuesday as maximum temperatures dropped significantly, bringing a noticeable chill to the national capital. Dense fog affected several airports across the country on Wednesday morning, causing flight delays, although the impact in Delhi-NCR was relatively minimal. Meteorologists explained that fog traps pollutant particles close to the ground, prolonging exposure and worsening air quality.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported maximum temperatures ranging between 13 degrees Celsius and 16 degrees Celsius in the region. Residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues, are advised to take precautions and limit outdoor activities. With strong winds persisting and pollution levels remaining high, the cold and poor air quality are expected to continue in Delhi-NCR in the coming days.
