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New Delhi: Delhi-NCR woke up to a hazy morning as a thick layer of smog engulfed the region on Saturday, reducing visibility during the early hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast moderate fog on Saturday with a minimum temperature of 11 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 23 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category today, with experts warning of a further spike that could push the city's air into the ‘severe’ zone. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 390 this morning, which falls under the "very poor" category.
However, air quality in some areas in the national capital plunged to the severe category, recording AQI levels exceeding 400. These included Anand Vihar (AQI- 435), Burari Crossing (AQI- 415), Chandni Chowk (AQI- 419), Jahangirpuri (AQI- 442), RK Puram (AQI- 404), and Rohini (AQI- 436).
According to CPCB standards, air quality between 0-50 is considered 'good', between 51-100 'satisfactory,' between 101-200 'moderate,' between 201-300 'poor', between 301-400 'very poor,' and between 401-500 'severe.' The CPCB states that each of these categories reflects the level of pollution and the associated health risks.
The thick layer of smog reduced visibility in several areas across Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR), inclduing Ghazipur and Anand Vihar. Meanwhile, residents have been advised to limit outdoor exposure and follow health advisories as Delhi-NCR stares at another challenging winter smog episode.
Airport issues travel advisory
As moderate fog reduced visibility in several areas, in the early hours of Saturday, the Delhi Airport issued an advisory urging passengers to contact the airline concerned to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
"Low visibility procedures are in progress at Delhi airport. All flight operations are presently normal. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information," the advisory read.
Temperatures to drop in several states
According to the weather department, temperatures are expected to drop in the North Indian states of Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar starting today. Dense fog will affect most areas during the morning and night.
A new western disturbance will become active over the mountains today, leading to light to moderate rain and snowfall, according to the IMD. Intense cold conditions will prevail in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, the weather office said.
