Delhi-NCR Engulfed in Dense Fog and Severe AQI, Visibility Near Zero

Delhi-NCR woke up to dense fog and severely reduced visibility on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 450 in areas like Anand Vihar and Akshardham, categorizing it as 'Severe Plus'. The IMD warned of continued very dense fog in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. Delhi airport issued an advisory, cautioning passengers about potential flight delays due to the deteriorating weather conditions, impacting travel and public health.

On Monday, the Delhi-National Capital Region was shrouded in a dense layer of fog combined with severe smog, leading to near-zero visibility conditions across the metropolitan area. This drastic reduction in visibility was accompanied by an alarming deterioration in air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) escalating into the 'Severe Plus' category. Specific locations like Anand Vihar and Akshardham recorded AQI levels surpassing 450, indicating highly hazardous air for residents. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a cautionary forecast, predicting very dense fog conditions to persist not only in Delhi but also in neighboring states such as Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana over the coming days. In response to these challenging weather conditions, Delhi airport proactively released an advisory earlier on Monday. The advisory informed passengers about the likelihood of flight disruptions and possible delays, urging them to check their flight status before heading to the airport. This dual challenge of extreme fog and critical air pollution significantly impacts transportation, daily routines, and public health, necessitating a heightened state of awareness and precautionary measures from citizens and authorities alike to mitigate the adverse effects.