AirQuality – Dense Fog and Mixed AQI Levels Mark Monday Across Major Cities
AirQuality – Urban pollution update and weather conditions across northern and western India –
Several neighbourhoods in the national capital began Monday under a thick layer of fog, while air quality levels stayed between moderate and poor, according to official monitoring agencies. Data released by the Central Pollution Control Board indicated that pollution levels varied widely across different parts of Delhi during the early morning hours.
The India Meteorological Department reported moderate fog at multiple locations in the city. Areas such as Dhaula Kuan, Akshardham, Dwarka, and Mother Teresa Crescent Marg experienced reduced visibility shortly after sunrise, affecting early commuters and morning routines.
Air Quality Readings Across Delhi
By around 7 am, air quality monitoring stations across Delhi reflected uneven pollution levels. Several parts of Dwarka, including Sectors 3, 6, and 10, recorded an Air Quality Index reading of 243, placing them firmly in the poor category. In contrast, Mahipalpur registered an AQI of 134, indicating moderate air quality conditions. Mother Teresa Crescent Marg also remained within the moderate range, with an AQI reading of 118.
These figures suggested a slight improvement compared to previous days, though pollution levels continued to pose concerns for sensitive groups such as children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory conditions.
NCR Sees Similar Conditions
Neighbouring regions within the National Capital Region experienced comparable weather and air quality trends. Ghaziabad, in particular, reported misty conditions early in the morning. CPCB data showed that the city recorded an AQI of 259, categorising the air quality as poor. Authorities advised residents to limit prolonged outdoor exposure during peak morning hours.
Mumbai Records Moderate Air Quality
While northern India grappled with fog and elevated pollution, Mumbai presented a relatively stable picture. According to CPCB data, the coastal city recorded a moderate AQI reading of 126 near the Marine Drive area at dawn. Despite the moderate pollution level, fog was visible along the seafront, where residents were seen continuing their morning walks.
The IMD forecast for Mumbai indicated fog or mist during the early hours, followed by largely clear skies as the day progressed, suggesting improved visibility and stable weather conditions later in the day.
Understanding AQI Categories
The Air Quality Index is used to communicate how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become. An AQI value between 0 and 50 is considered good, while 51 to 100 is satisfactory. Readings from 101 to 200 fall under moderate, 201 to 300 are classified as poor, 301 to 400 as very poor, and values between 401 and 500 are categorised as severe.
Fog Impacts Airports and Weather Alerts Issued
Fog conditions were not limited to city roads. Several airports across north and central India reported varying levels of fog between 6:00 am and 6:30 am, ranging from shallow to very dense, according to IMD updates. These conditions had the potential to disrupt flight schedules during the early morning window.
On Sunday, Delhi’s air quality had dipped further, with the overall AQI touching 318 in the morning, placing it in the very poor category. In response to changing weather patterns, the IMD issued a yellow alert for the national capital. The advisory warned of isolated thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour.
Active Weather Phase Begins
Similar weather activity was expected across parts of Haryana and Chandigarh. In Haryana, Karnal reported a hailstorm early in the day. The IMD noted that the rainfall marked the onset of a more active weather phase, with thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and hail anticipated in several states. Light rain was also recorded in parts of Delhi and surrounding NCR areas during the early morning hours.