AirQuality – Dense Fog Disrupts Delhi-NCR as Pollution Levels Stay Elevated

AirQuality – Winter smog and fog continued to shape daily life across the Delhi-National Capital Region on Monday, as residents woke to reduced visibility and air quality levels that remained largely in the moderate to poor range, according to official pollution data.

Large sections of Delhi and its surrounding cities experienced dense fog during the early morning hours, creating difficult travel conditions and adding to concerns over already strained air quality. Data released by the Central Pollution Control Board showed that pollution levels varied across monitoring stations but stayed above healthy limits in many localities.

Air quality remains a concern across Delhi

Several parts of the national capital recorded pollution levels categorised as poor. Anand Vihar and Dwarka Sector-8 were among the most affected areas, with Air Quality Index readings crossing 240. Bawana, Chandni Chowk, R.K. Puram, Patparganj and Sonia Vihar also reported AQI figures well above the moderate threshold.

Relatively lower, though still concerning, readings were observed in central and southern parts of the city. Lodhi Road and IGI Airport’s Terminal 3 recorded AQI levels in the lower end of the moderate category, while IIT Delhi and Burari Crossing remained marginally better compared to industrial and traffic-heavy zones.

Neighbouring cities see similar conditions

Foggy conditions were not limited to the capital alone. Several NCR towns reported poor air quality and low visibility through the morning. Ghaziabad, one of the most affected satellite cities, recorded an AQI of 259, placing it firmly in the poor category.

Environmental experts noted that calm wind conditions and high moisture levels in the air contributed to the accumulation of pollutants, preventing their dispersion and worsening the air quality across the region.

Visibility drops, traffic movement affected

In many parts of Delhi and NCR, visibility levels dropped sharply, in some areas falling below 50 metres. The thick fog severely impacted vehicular movement on arterial roads, highways, and flyovers, particularly during early commuting hours.

Traffic police and transport authorities urged drivers to exercise caution, advising the use of fog lights, maintaining safe distances, and avoiding sudden braking. Several minor traffic disruptions were reported as commuters navigated the challenging conditions.

Delays reported at airports and rail stations

The persistent fog also affected major transportation hubs. Operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport were impacted, with several flights reporting delays due to low visibility during landing and take-off hours. Railway stations across the capital also experienced slower operations, as shallow to moderate fog lingered well beyond sunrise.

Passengers travelling via the DND Flyway and the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway were specifically cautioned, as these stretches experienced heavy fog cover during peak morning hours.

Weather outlook for the coming days

Meteorological officials indicated that a gradual improvement in weather conditions is likely from February 3, with skies expected to clear slowly across the region. However, this relief may be short-lived, as another western disturbance is forecast to impact north-west India from the night of February 5.

The approaching system could bring increased cloud cover and light drizzle towards the end of the week, potentially influencing both temperatures and air quality levels.

Temperature trends and regional impact

Morning fog is expected to persist for at least the next six days, according to weather forecasts. Daytime temperatures, however, are likely to rise gradually during the first week of February, with maximum temperatures expected to hover between 24 and 25 degrees Celsius, offering slightly warmer afternoons.

Beyond Delhi-NCR, states including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh may also experience shifting weather patterns. Two western disturbances moving in quick succession could result in light rainfall in parts of north-west India later this week, bringing temporary relief from dry winter conditions.