Fog, Haze, and Falling Mercury: North India’s weather hints at what’s coming next

New Delhi: The national capital woke up to a hazy Sunday morning as temperatures hovered around 19°C, offering a slight nip in the air. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city is witnessing hazy sunshine with visibility slightly reduced due to persistent smog and suspended particulate matter. The mercury is expected to rise gradually through the day, touching a maximum of around 26°C by afternoon. Light winds from the northwest are blowing across the region, keeping pollution levels high but bringing a mild relief from the early morning chill. AQI remains in very poor category Air quality continues to remain in the ‘poor to very poor’ category, mainly due to vehicular emissions and stubble burning in neighbouring states. However, no major rainfall or western disturbance is expected over the next 48 hours, suggesting stable but hazy conditions for the capital region. Delhiites flock to hill stations amid rising pollution; Manali, Mussoorie, Nainital see surge in bookings Uttar Pradesh: Clear Skies, Cool Mornings Continue Across Uttar Pradesh, most districts including Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, and Noida recorded minimum temperatures between 16°C and 18°C on Sunday morning. The skies remained clear with gentle sunlight filtering through mild haze, typical of early November. IMD forecasts indicate that the state will continue to experience dry weather for the next few days with no significant change in day temperatures. In the western districts such as Meerut, Ghaziabad, and Aligarh, morning fog patches were reported, but visibility improved quickly after sunrise. Residents in eastern UP are likely to witness slightly cooler nights as temperatures may dip by 2–3 degrees in the coming week, hinting at the gradual onset of winter. Farmers in the state are being advised to stay updated on temperature fluctuations as winter crops begin their early growth phase. Uttarakhand: Pleasant Days, Cold Nights in the Hills The hill state of Uttarakhand is experiencing crisp mornings and pleasantly cool afternoons. Popular tourist destinations such as Nainital, Mussoorie, and Almora recorded morning temperatures between 10°C and 12°C, while high-altitude areas like Auli and Kedarnath dipped below 5°C overnight. Why are Delhi residents waking up with a scratchy throat? Weather shift or pollution to blame? According to the regional IMD centre in Dehradun, no significant rainfall has been recorded, but moderate cold winds are sweeping through the higher reaches, keeping evenings chilly. The next few days are likely to remain clear and dry, providing ideal conditions for tourism and outdoor activities in the hills. Outlook: Early Signs of Winter Setting In As the first half of November progresses, North India seems to be inching steadily toward winter. The combination of hazy mornings, cooler nights, and stable dry conditions marks a familiar seasonal shift that residents of Delhi, UP, and Uttarakhand can already feel.