Weather – Dense Haze Spreads Across North India, Visibility Drops in Delhi Region
Weather – An unexpected blanket of thick haze spread across several parts of North India on Tuesday, affecting cities including Meerut, Moradabad, Greater Noida, and Saharanpur, along with areas of Haryana and parts of lower Uttarakhand. The unusual atmospheric condition also extended to Delhi and surrounding regions, where residents experienced a noticeable drop in visibility alongside worsening air pollution levels.
Meteorological Department Links Haze to Seasonal Fog Conditions
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the hazy atmosphere was largely the result of dense fog developing across sections of Uttar Pradesh and nearby areas. Officials explained that such weather patterns are not uncommon during this time of the year and can occur when specific atmospheric conditions align.
Meteorologists noted that the fog formed after easterly winds at lower altitudes brought significant moisture into the region. The increased humidity in the air created ideal conditions for fog formation early Tuesday morning, which subsequently reduced visibility across several cities.
Western Disturbance Played a Key Role
Weather experts said the current situation was also linked to a western disturbance affecting the western Himalayan region. This system altered wind patterns and encouraged the movement of moist air into the plains, contributing to the formation of dense fog-like conditions.
The IMD pointed out that similar episodes have occurred in the past under comparable weather patterns. Historical records show that dense fog events have previously developed in early March when moisture levels rise and wind patterns shift.
Historical Weather Events Show Similar Patterns
Meteorological data suggests that such fog events in the Indo-Gangetic plains are not unusual during the early weeks of March. Officials referenced a notable case between March 6 and March 8 in 2008, when widespread fog caused major disruptions, including problems for electrical power transmission lines across parts of North India.
Experts emphasised that these occurrences follow established seasonal trends and are part of the region’s complex weather dynamics during the transition from winter to summer.
Private Weather Agency Attributes Haze to Dust Movement
While the IMD described the phenomenon as dense fog, private forecasting agency Skymet Weather Services offered a slightly different interpretation. The agency suggested that the hazy conditions were likely caused by suspended dust particles in the lower atmosphere.
According to Skymet, strong westerly winds between March 5 and March 7 carried dust from regions including Balochistan, central Pakistan, and the Thar Desert toward northern India. Once wind speeds slowed, the dust remained suspended in the air, creating a persistent haze over the region.
Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet Weather, explained that the reduction in wind speed prevented the dust from dispersing quickly. As a result, the particles stayed trapped in the atmosphere, producing the fog-like appearance seen in many areas.
Experts Dismiss Rumours About Foreign Smoke Plumes
Meteorologists have also addressed circulating rumours that the haze might be linked to smoke from reported refinery bombings in Iran. Weather experts strongly dismissed the speculation, stating that prevailing wind patterns do not support the movement of such smoke toward northern India.
According to specialists, the current wind direction makes it highly unlikely that emissions from West Asia could travel far enough to influence atmospheric conditions over Delhi or nearby regions.
Delhi Experiences Unseasonably Warm Conditions
Alongside the haze, Delhi recorded unusually high temperatures on Tuesday. The maximum temperature reached 35.5 degrees Celsius, which is 7.1 degrees above the seasonal average for this time of year.
Data from the Safdarjung weather station showed a minimum temperature of 18.8 degrees Celsius, about 4.8 degrees above normal. Other monitoring stations reported similar readings, including 34.4 degrees Celsius at Palam and around 35.6 degrees Celsius at both Lodhi Road and the Ridge observatory.
Weather Forecast and Air Quality Concerns
The IMD has forecast partly cloudy skies for Wednesday, with the maximum temperature expected to rise further to around 37 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature is likely to remain close to 18 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, air quality in Delhi continued to remain in the poor category. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, the city’s Air Quality Index stood at 265, indicating unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups.
Weather experts also suggest that temperatures may stay higher than usual this year, raising the possibility of a hotter summer season across parts of North India.