Dense fog and smog engulf NCR cities, reduce visibility, and impact air quality: Delhi AQI today:
On Wednesday morning, dense fog and smog blanketed several cities across the NCR region, drastically reducing road visibility and challenging driving conditions. Visibility dropped to approximately 100 meters, prompting fewer people to leave their homes for morning walks.
According to the AQI index, Delhi’s Jahangirpuri recorded a hazardous AQI level of 999 at 7:00 a.m., while Anand Vihar reported a concerning 785. On Tuesday, Delhi’s overall AQI averaged above 300, placing it in the “very poor” category.
High pollution levels in nearby areas like Gurugram have also contributed to severe smog. Gurugram recorded an AQI of 286 at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, indicating high humidity and pollution in the air.
Even though it is November, Delhi residents are still using fans to deal with the unusually high temperatures. Tuesday’s high was 32.8°C, and the minimum was 17.9°C, which is about four degrees warmer than the seasonal average.
Humidity levels ranged between 46% and 96%. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate fog for the capital, clear skies, and temperatures of 33°C and 17°C on Wednesday.
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A gradual change in weather may occur as Western disturbances are expected to impact the region, potentially bringing rainfall and snowfall to the northern mountains, which may also introduce chilly conditions to Delhi by Sunday.
With northwesterly winds likely to blow lightly on November 13 and 14, a slight reduction in smoke and pollution is to be expected; light easterly winds on November 15 and 16 could bring partial cloud cover and lingering smog. From November 17, moderate northerly and westerly winds are expected, which could help improve the air quality and bring temperatures closer to seasonal averages.
As of Wednesday morning, many areas in Delhi remained in the red zone, reflecting severely polluted air. For instance, AQI levels in various NCR locations reached alarming figures, such as 826 in Srinivaspuri, 802 in Okhla, 785 in Anand Vihar, and 713 in ITI Sharda. Notably, while some areas registered AQI levels in the poor category, a few locations recorded AQI below 200, indicating moderate air quality.
The severe air pollution poses serious health concerns, especially as Delhi and NCR have been under smog and poor air conditions for weeks.
