Flight Ops Hit As Fog Blankets Delhi Amid ‘Very Poor’ AQI; Cold Wave Grips North India

Delhi Shrouded in Fog, AQI in ‘Very Poor’ Category; Cold Wave Grips North India

Delhi continued to experience dense fog on Sunday, with air quality in the “very poor” category, affecting several flights and flight operations.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), key areas recorded alarming AQI levels:

• Anand Vihar – 350

• Rohini – 361

• Chandni Chowk – 355

• Mundka – 329

• RK Puram – 322

• Dhaula Kuan – 322

• ITO – 309

Meanwhile, NSIT Dwarka and IGI Airport reported relatively better air quality with AQI at 177, falling in the “moderate” range.

Despite the smog, Republic Day parade rehearsals continued at India Gate.

Cold Wave and Temperature Forecast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported Delhi’s minimum temperature at 9°C on Sunday, with maximum expected between 18–19°C and minimum ranging 7–8°C.

IMD forecasts that the cold wave will intensify across North India, with dense to very dense fog expected during night and morning hours over the next 7 days. A yellow alert has been issued for Delhi for dense fog on Sunday.

North India Weather Outlook:

• Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi: Dense fog till Jan 7, cold wave likely Jan 4–7

• West Rajasthan: Cold conditions Jan 5–8

• East Rajasthan: Cold conditions Jan 4–8

• East UP: Fog likely till Jan 8

• Odisha: Fog likely till Jan 6

• Uttarakhand, Bihar, West MP: Cold day conditions at isolated pockets during Jan 3–5

IMD also predicted light snowfall in Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti districts on January 6, with a yellow warning of dense fog in Himachal Pradesh for the coming week.

Residents are advised to exercise caution while traveling and make use of air purifiers, masks, and warm clothing as the cold wave and poor air quality persist.