Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are shivering under the grip of an intense cold wave, with a thick, blinding haze enveloping the city on New Year's Eve. This severe weather has thrown flight operations into disarray and made daily commutes a challenge for residents, casting a pall over celebrations.
Flight Chaos as Visibility Plummets to 50 Metres
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded visibility as low as 50 metres at both Palam and Safdarjung at 6:30 am on Wednesday, 31st December. In response, the Delhi airport issued an orange alert for dense fog, valid until 10 am, warning travellers of significant disruptions.
Major airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, proactively announced widespread delays and cancellations. They have strongly advised passengers to check their flight status online before heading to the airport to avoid long waits and inconvenience.
Air Quality Deteriorates to 'Severe' Levels
Adding to the woes, the air quality in the national capital remains dangerously poor. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 384, deep within the 'very poor' category. A closer look reveals a grimmer picture: 16 monitoring stations reported AQI in the 'severe' range, while 21 recorded 'very poor' air.
The forecast offers little respite. The Air Quality Early Warning System predicts a further slide into the 'severe' category on 1st January, New Year's Day. A marginal improvement to 'very poor' is expected only by 2nd January, with conditions likely to persist for nearly a week.
Cold Wave Tightens Its Grip, Rain Forecast for New Year
Temperatures have taken a sharp dip, intensifying the chill. The IMD recorded a minimum temperature of 6.4° Celsius at Safdarjung and Ayanagar, which is 0.4° below the seasonal normal. While the maximum temperature on Wednesday was expected to reach around 23°C, the dense fog was forecast to linger all day.
The new year might begin on a wet and even colder note. The weather department has forecast cloudy skies and the possibility of light rain for Delhi on 1st January, which could exacerbate the feeling of cold and disrupt outdoor plans. Authorities urge citizens, especially the elderly and children, to take necessary precautions against the harsh weather and polluted air.
