Delhi woke up to biting cold, thick fog and toxic air on Sunday as winter conditions tightened their grip on the city. The temperature remained well below average, and the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached dangerously high levels, raising health alarms for residents.
Cold Day Hits Delhi
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that Delhi experienced what meteorologists call the first cold day of the season, with temperatures struggling to rise during the day. The minimum temperature dropped to around 8°C, and the maximum stayed near 17–18°C, much below normal for this time of year.
Dense fog shrouded the city, reducing visibility on roads and public spaces. This chilly start marks one of the coldest days in recent winter weeks, making mornings and evenings particularly harsh for citizens.
Smog and Pollution Worsen Air Quality
The cold weather brought thick smog that mixed with pollution to create toxic air conditions across Delhi. The AQI climbed close to or above the ‘severe’ category, exposing many to unhealthy air.
In several areas, AQI crossed 400, considered very dangerous. Health experts warn people to avoid outdoor activities if possible. The stagnant air, low wind speeds, and temperature inversion trapped pollutants near the ground, worsening the smog situation.
Fog Disrupts Travel and Visibility
Heavy morning fog caused visibility to drop sharply, affecting transportation across the city:
- Roads had low visibility early in the day.
- Flight operations were disrupted, with advisories issued by airlines like IndiGo and others urging passengers to check schedules.
- The fog is expected to continue in the coming days, especially during early mornings and late evenings.
Health Risks Remain High
With smog and cold, health experts urge:
- People with respiratory and heart issues are advised to stay indoors.
- Masks may help when stepping out cannot be avoided.
The combination of smog and fog not only limits visibility but also increases breathing discomfort, especially for children and the elderly.
Forecast for the Week
According to the IMD:
- Dense to very dense fog will continue at isolated places.
- Night temperatures might slightly rise by 2–3°C over the next few days before dipping again.
- Daytime temperatures will hover below seasonal averages.
- The weather department also issued orange and yellow alerts in the region, warning of persistent fog and cold conditions across Delhi and neighbouring states.
Impact on Daily Life
These cold snaps and smog surges are not just numbers. They affect daily life in real ways:
- Students and office-goers struggle with early morning cold.
- Traffic moves more slowly as drivers navigate low visibility.
- Pollution alerts keep people indoors for long hours.
- Local authorities may step up measures to reduce pollution and improve air quality as winter deepens.
