English
English
English
Delhi wakes up to toxic smog as air quality deteriorates into the ‘very poor’ category, with two areas entering the ‘severe’ zone. The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for a cold wave from December 3-6, with temperatures dipping below 10°C in early mornings.
Toxic Smog Engulfs Delhi as Cold Wave Approaches
New Delhi: Delhiites once again breathed in toxic smog on Tuesday morning. The city's air quality was recorded in the "very poor" category, while temperatures dropped, signaling the onset of winter. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city's average AQI at 9 am was 340, up from 301 on Monday. This could lead to breathing difficulties and reduced visibility.
Out of 39 monitoring stations, Chandni Chowk and Vivek Vihar recorded AQIs above 400, placing these areas in the "severe" category.
The CPCB's AQI categories are as follows:
0–50: Good
51–100: Satisfactory
101–200: Moderate
201–300: Poor
301–400: Very Poor
401–500: Severe
Experts say that stagnant winds and dense fog could trap pollution near the surface, worsening the situation throughout the week.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the minimum temperature in Delhi on Tuesday was recorded at 9.6°C, 0.1°C above the average for this time of year. The IMD has issued a cold wave warning for the capital starting December 3. Light fog is expected in many areas of the city in the morning.
December 3: Min 7–9°C | Maximum 23–25°C, light fog in the morning, cold at isolated places.
December 4: Minimum 6–8°C | Maximum 22–24°C, light fog in the morning, possibility of cold.
December 5: Minimum 5–7°C | Maximum 22–24°C, partly cloudy, fog in the morning, cold.
December 6: Minimum 7–9°C | Maximum 22–24°C, light fog in the morning.
December 7–8: Minimum 8–10°C | Maximum 23–26°C, partly cloudy and foggy in the morning.
Morning temperatures are likely to remain below 10°C on most days of the week.
Wind speeds will remain between 0–10 kmph in the morning. Weak winds, fog, and low temperatures will combine to trap smog near the surface. This will reduce visibility and increase breathing problems.
Weather experts have advised the public to wear masks when going out in the morning and at night. Try to reduce smoking and vehicle emissions, and increase the use of air purifiers or ventilation at home. The elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions should be especially cautious.
This week is going to be challenging for Delhiites. Amid cold winds and increasing fog, 'very poor' air quality levels could increase people's health concerns. These conditions, combined with the combination of weather and pollution, require city residents to exercise caution.
