North India Battles Severe Cold Wave Amidst Delhi's Persistent Toxic Smog

North India is experiencing an intense cold wave with temperatures dropping to sub-zero levels in regions like Mount Abu (-5°C) and Srinagar (-4.7°C). Concurrently, Delhi continues to battle severe air pollution, with its Air Quality Index consistently in the 'severe' category, prompting GRAP 4 invocation. Dense fog accompanying the cold has caused significant disruptions, including flight delays at IGI Airport. Residents are resorting to bonfires to cope, as the IMD forecasts continued harsh weather conditions across the affected states.

North India is currently facing a dual crisis: a severe cold wave and persistent, hazardous air pollution, particularly in the national capital, Delhi. The cold wave has sent temperatures plummeting across the region. Mount Abu in Rajasthan recorded an extreme -5°C, while Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir registered -4.7°C, transforming landscapes into icy scenes. Residents in areas like Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, have resorted to lighting bonfires to combat the intense chill, and a thick layer of fog has enveloped landmarks such as the Taj Mahal in Agra.Simultaneously, Delhi's air quality remains in the 'severe' category, with AQI readings around 439-447 near AIIMS Hospital, leading to the invocation of GRAP 4. This toxic layer of smog, combined with dense fog, has significantly reduced visibility, impacting daily life and causing considerable disruption to travel. Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has reported numerous flight delays, with authorities advising passengers to check statuses before heading to the airport. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) continues to issue forecasts, predicting minimum temperatures around 8°C in many areas and providing specific city-wise outlooks for Srinagar and Jammu. Despite the harsh conditions, tourists in Srinagar are still enjoying the scenic beauty of Dal Lake. The article highlights how climate change may be shifting the timing of such extreme cold events, emphasizing the prolonged and severe nature of the current weather and pollution challenges gripping North India.