Delhi Weather Alert: Dense Fog and ‘Very Poor’ AQI as Cold Wave Deepens | 7 Key Impacts, Flights Disrupted
Delhi faces dense fog and ‘Very Poor’ AQI as cold wave deepens, causing flight disruptions and travel delays across the city
Delhi and its surrounding regions are currently grappling with intensifying cold wave conditions, leading to dense fog, plummeting temperatures, and an alarming decline in air quality. Authorities have issued alerts warning residents about ‘Very Poor’ AQI (Air Quality Index) levels, while transport authorities are preparing for potential flight delays and disruptions. The combination of extreme cold and hazardous pollution is expected to affect daily life for millions in the capital.
The early morning hours in Delhi have been shrouded in thick, dense fog, drastically reducing visibility on major roads and highways. Traffic police have reported multiple minor collisions and slow-moving traffic across Outer Ring Road, NH-44, and other key routes, citing poor visibility as the main cause. Authorities have advised drivers to exercise caution, use fog lights, and maintain safe distances to prevent accidents.
Fog is most pronounced in areas near low-lying regions and around riverbeds, including North Delhi, East Delhi, and areas surrounding Yamuna, where temperature inversions trap pollutants close to the ground, intensifying smog formation.
Simultaneously, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi has deteriorated sharply, reaching ‘Very Poor’ levels in most monitoring zones. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) concentrations have crossed safe limits in 10 of the city’s 12 districts, making it dangerous for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and people with respiratory ailments.
Health experts warn that exposure to such polluted air can trigger breathing difficulties, eye irritation, coughing, and aggravated asthma, urging citizens to wear masks and avoid outdoor activities during peak pollution hours.
Adding to the environmental challenges, the cold wave in Delhi has deepened over the past 24 hours. Night temperatures have plummeted below 5°C, with morning lows hovering around 2–3°C in northern and western parts of the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cold wave advisory, cautioning that temperatures are likely to remain low over the next week.
This sharp drop in temperature has compounded the fog and smog problem, creating dense smog layers that linger through mid-morning. Cold air traps pollutants closer to the ground, reducing air dispersion and prolonging exposure to hazardous conditions.
With visibility dropping to less than 200 meters in several parts of Delhi, flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) are expected to face delays or cancellations. Airline authorities have issued warnings for travelers to check flight statuses in advance, as early morning and late-night flights are particularly vulnerable.
Train services, particularly on routes connecting Delhi to Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, may also experience delays due to fog affecting signal visibility. Road travel is similarly affected, with commuters advised to leave early and drive cautiously.
The Delhi government and municipal authorities have taken multiple steps to mitigate the impact of the cold wave and pollution crisis:
- Deployment of fog patrol vehicles on major roads to guide traffic.
- Distribution of masks and warm clothing to vulnerable populations in low-income neighborhoods.
- Emergency response teams at IGI Airport to manage flight disruptions.
- Air quality monitoring with real-time alerts via mobile apps and social media.
Authorities have also urged residents to avoid burning waste, firecrackers, and stubble burning, as such activities can further worsen pollution levels during the cold spell.
Medical experts have advised the following measures for Delhi residents:
- Limit outdoor activities, especially for children, senior citizens, and patients with respiratory issues.
- Use N95 or N99 masks when stepping out to reduce exposure to particulate matter.
- Keep windows and doors closed during early morning hours when fog and smog are densest.
- Maintain hydration to prevent respiratory irritation.
- Seek medical attention immediately if experiencing breathing difficulties, persistent cough, or chest discomfort.
Hospitals in Delhi have reported a spike in respiratory complaints, with emergency departments seeing 20–30% more patients than usual during peak fog and smog days.
The dense fog and poor air quality have disrupted normal life across Delhi. Key impacts include:
- Schools and colleges operating with delayed schedules.
- Public transport delays due to low visibility on roads.
- Construction and outdoor work slowed or halted to ensure worker safety.
- Retail and businesses experiencing reduced footfall in fog-heavy areas.
Experts warn that prolonged exposure to such conditions could have a long-term economic impact, as productivity drops and healthcare expenses rise.
Delhi’s geography and climate contribute to recurrent fog and smog issues during winter:
- Temperature inversion layers trap cold air and pollutants near the surface.
- High vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and burning of crop residue in surrounding states exacerbate smog.
- Low wind speeds prevent dispersion of pollutants, allowing hazardous air to linger.
The combination of cold temperatures, dense fog, and air pollution makes the city highly vulnerable during December–January, requiring both short-term mitigation and long-term infrastructural solutions.
