Delhi and its surrounding regions woke up to harsh winter conditions on Saturday, December 20, as dense to very dense fog blanketed several areas during the morning hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for the national capital, warning residents to remain prepared for reduced visibility due to fog and ongoing cold wave conditions.
According to the IMD, the minimum temperature in Delhi is expected to hover around 9 degrees Celsius, while daytime temperatures are likely to remain near normal. Weather officials said the city will experience a partly cloudy sky, with dense fog at many places and very dense fog at isolated locations during the morning, followed by mist or shallow fog at night.
The IMD uses a four-colour alert system—green (no advisory), yellow (be aware), orange (be prepared), and red (take action). Notably, Delhi was under a red alert on Friday, as forecasters warned that extreme fog conditions could disrupt air, rail, and road traffic.
For neighbouring areas, Noida is expected to witness dense fog as well, with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 17°C. Gurugram, meanwhile, is likely to see a partly cloudy sky, with minimum and maximum temperatures around 10°C and 18°C, respectively.
The national capital recently recorded its coldest day of the season, with the maximum temperature dropping to 20.1°C, around 2 degrees below normal, making daytime conditions unusually chilly for mid-December.
Looking ahead, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for December 21 and 22, forecasting moderate fog at many places and dense fog at isolated locations during the morning hours.
Airport Advisory Issued Amid Low Visibility
As fog continued to affect visibility, the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport released a passenger advisory early Saturday morning. The airport confirmed that Low Visibility Procedures are currently in effect, though flight operations are continuing normally.
In a statement issued at 7:00 am, airport authorities advised passengers to stay in touch with their respective airlines for real-time updates. While arrivals and departures are ongoing, officials cautioned that minor delays may occur due to prevailing weather conditions.
Air Quality Worsens Across Delhi
Adding to residents’ concerns, air quality remained dangerously poor, with large parts of the city shrouded in thick toxic smog. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 380 around 7 a.m., categorised as very poor. However, several locations slipped into the ‘severe’ category.
Pollution hotspots included ITO (AQI 429), Anand Vihar (428), Sarai Kale Khan (428), Akshardham (420), Ashok Vihar (407), and Rao Tularam Marg (403). The Barapullah Flyover area recorded an AQI of 380, highlighting widespread pollution across the city.
With fog, cold weather, and hazardous air quality persisting, authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor exposure, remain cautious while commuting, and follow official advisories over the coming days.
