Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) woke up to yet another grim winter morning on Tuesday as dense fog and severe air pollution brought daily life to a near standstill. Visibility dropped sharply across several areas, with parts of Ghaziabad and Noida witnessing near-zero visibility during early morning hours, severely affecting road, rail, and air travel.
At Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, visibility plunged to just 50 metres around 8 am, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). As a result, more than 200 flights were delayed and at least 10 were cancelled, airport officials confirmed. Authorities warned that disruptions may continue over the next few days if foggy conditions persist.
Compounding the problem, Delhi’s air quality slipped deeper into the ‘severe’ category. By 8 am, the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at a hazardous 414, as per data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer app. The toxic air, combined with lingering smog, made breathing uncomfortable for residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues.
Forecasts offer little immediate relief. The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has projected that AQI levels will remain in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ range through Christmas. Meteorologists said weather conditions are favourable for continued fog formation, with shallow fog expected on December 24 and 25, followed by moderate fog in subsequent days.
While pollution remains a major concern, temperatures have shown only slight variation. Maximum temperatures hovered between 16°C and 18°C, while minimum temperatures ranged from 8°C to 11°C.
Travel disruptions have been widespread across north India. Earlier this week, more than 500 flights were delayed and over 100 cancelled due to fog. Officials said conditions may gradually improve after Wednesday as wind speeds increase following the weakening of a western disturbance.
Until then, residents have been advised to remain cautious, limit outdoor activities, and stay updated on weather and travel advisories.
