Several areas in Delhi-National Capital Region experienced dense fog on Monday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in moderate to poor levels, as per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The AQI ranged from 132 to 242 in different locations, including Anand Vihar, Bawana, Chandni Chowk, and Dwarka Sector-8.
The Delhi-adjacent regions also faced misty conditions in the early hours, with Ghaziabad registering a ‘poor’ AQI of 259. The reduced visibility, dropping below 50 meters in some places, significantly impacted traffic movement on major roads and highways.
Vehicular travel was hampered due to the fog, causing delays at transit points like the Indira Gandhi International Airport and railway stations. Commuters were advised to exercise caution, use fog lights, and maintain reduced speeds on roads like the DND Flyway and Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway.
The weather in Delhi is expected to improve gradually from February 3 onwards, although another western disturbance is forecasted to affect north-west India starting February 5. Morning fog is predicted to persist for the next six days, with temperatures likely to rise to 24-25 degrees Celsius during the first week of February.
North India, including states like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, is also anticipated to witness weather changes due to two upcoming western disturbances, possibly resulting in light rainfall in certain areas later in the week.
