1. Dense fog in Delhi on Tuesday led to delays in 50 flights and 10 trains.
2. The reduced visibility, plunging to around 50 meters, persisted for over four hours, affecting transportation.
3. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the intensified fog to a western disturbance and forecasted drizzle on Wednesday with gusty winds.
New Delhi, Jan 30: On Tuesday morning, Delhi grappled with dense fog, causing delays in at least 50 flights and 10 trains. The visibility plummeted to around 50 meters for over four hours, impacting transportation systems and prompting concerns about air quality.
The fog’s intensity increased under the influence of a western disturbance, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) anticipated drizzle on Wednesday, accompanied by gusty winds.
Factors such as dew point temperatures ranging from 10-11°C and wind speeds of three to seven km per hour contributed to the dense fog. The minimum temperature rose to 8.7°C, marking an increase of nearly four degrees over the past four days.
The prevailing western disturbance, though feeble, is expected to bring moisture, while a fresh western disturbance approaching Delhi is anticipated to be more active, bringing sufficient moisture for light rain in the National Capital Region on Wednesday and Thursday.
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Despite the rising minimum temperature, concerns persist over air quality in Delhi. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas held an emergency meeting to address forecasts of deteriorating air quality.
The average air quality index (AQI) recorded at 9 am was 364 (very poor), compared to 356 (very poor) at 4 pm on the previous day.
While the CAQM acknowledged the projected spike in Delhi’s average AQI for Tuesday, it opted against invoking Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan, citing the likelihood of improved air quality due to gusty winds and potential rain.
The maximum temperature was expected to hover between 21-22°C on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a subsequent decline expected.
Despite the challenges posed by dense fog, the authorities are closely monitoring the situation and implementing measures to mitigate its impact on transportation and air quality in the region.
