New Delhi, 10 January 2025: A thick blanket of fog enveloped Delhi this morning, reducing visibility to near zero and causing significant disruptions across the capital and North India. Vehicles crawled at speeds under 20 kmph, with drivers relying on emergency lights to navigate.
Widespread Impact Across North India
The fog’s impact extended beyond Delhi, covering regions like Gautam Budh Nagar and surrounding areas. Visibility dropped below 50 meters, with skyscrapers and residential buildings vanishing into the dense haze.
Transport Severely Hit
Zero visibility at IGI Airport led to flight delays, prompting airport authorities to advise passengers to confirm flight schedules beforehand. Train services were also disrupted due to the reduced visibility, while road traffic remained sluggish.
Meteorological Department Issues Orange Alert
An orange alert for dense fog was issued for Delhi-NCR, forecasting a minimum temperature of 6°C and a maximum of 20°C today. Rain is also expected over the weekend, adding to the region’s challenges.
AQI Hits Severe Category
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 409, falling in the severe category. Experts warned that the combination of fog and smog poses significant health risks, with pollution levels rising further during the morning hours.
Fog Classification and Advisory
The Meteorological Department classifies fog based on visibility:
Very Dense Fog: 0-50 meters
Dense Fog: 51-200 meters
Moderate Fog: 201-500 meters
Light Fog: 501-1000 meters
Residents are advised to take precautions, especially while driving, as the hazardous mix of pollution and fog continues to grip the region.
