Delhi’s air quality worsened on Wednesday, falling into the ‘severe’ category with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 408. Dense fog and heavy pollution led to significantly reduced visibility in the national capital. Monitoring stations in central and south Delhi reported ‘very poor’ air quality levels, with AQI readings ranging from 340 to 370.
Conditions deteriorated further in various parts of Delhi and neighboring areas, pushing air quality into the ‘severe’ zone. Noida, Karol Bagh, Rajouri Garden, Mundka, Patel Nagar, Chanakyapuri, Vasant Kunj, Saket, and Vikaspuri all recorded high AQI levels. Lajpat Nagar hit the upper limit of the scale at 500, while IGI Airport registered an alarming 512 AQI.
The foggy weather coincided with concerning forecasts from air quality experts, predicting a significant worsening of pollution levels in the national capital region as the year ends. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of persistent dense fog conditions and advised caution for commuters and travelers due to low visibility.
Low visibility caused disruptions in air travel, leading to warnings and advisories from airlines and airport authorities. IndiGo and Air India issued alerts about possible delays and cancellations at Delhi and other airports in northern India due to fog-related visibility issues. Weather conditions in north India are being influenced by an active Western Disturbance, with the Meteorological Department issuing a yellow alert for dense fog and light rain in parts of Punjab and Chandigarh.
