New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

Delhi-NCR reeled under a triple weather assault of dense fog, plunging temperatures and alarming air pollution, as winter tightened its grip across the region on Saturday. Poor visibility, severe cold conditions and deteriorating air quality combined to disrupt daily life, prompting authorities to issue fresh advisories.


According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), large parts of Delhi witnessed thick fog in the early morning hours, reducing visibility to as low as 200 metres in several pockets, while minimum temperatures dipped to around 4.3–4.4 degrees Celsius, well below the seasonal average. The cold wave conditions, IMD said, are likely to persist, with chilly mornings expected over the next few days.


The cold weather was accompanied by a sharp spike in pollution levels. Data from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) showed that the Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the very poor to severe category in many areas. The city’s average AQI hovered close to the severe threshold, while several monitoring stations in Delhi-NCR reported readings crossing 400, raising serious health concerns.


Weather experts explained that low wind speed, high humidity and temperature inversion have trapped pollutants near the surface, worsening air quality. Morning humidity touched nearly 100 per cent, intensifying fog formation and further slowing the dispersal of pollutants.


Commuters faced a tough start to the day as reduced visibility affected road traffic, while residents complained of breathing discomfort, eye irritation and throat problems. Health experts advised people, especially children, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments, to limit outdoor exposure during early morning and late evening hours.


With the cold wave continuing and pollution showing little sign of relief, authorities have urged citizens to follow advisories, use public transport where possible and take precautions against both the cold and hazardous air. Delhi-NCR, for now, remains firmly in the grip of a harsh winter spell.