Delhi’s Chilling Smog Crisis: IMD Issues Cold Wave Alert as AQI Soars to Severe Levels at 489 in Anand Vihar!
Delhi residents faced a grim start to their Sunday as a thick layer of toxic smog enveloped the capital, pushing air quality into the ‘severe’ category. The Central Pollution Control Board reported a staggering 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 437 at 6:30 AM, with several monitoring stations-Wazirpur, Sonia Vihar, Rohini, and others-recording AQI levels that exceeded 450, indicating hazardous air conditions.
The air quality crisis prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management to activate Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Friday, as stagnant winds and unfavorable weather contributed to serious pollution levels. Residents are urged to stay indoors as exposure to such unhealthy air can result in severe health problems.
Compounding the city’s woes, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a cold wave alert, as temperatures throughout Delhi dipped below 5 degrees Celsius. Safdarjung, the capital’s primary weather station, reported a minimum temperature of 4.4 degrees Celsius, while Ayanagar recorded a slightly higher 4.9 degrees. Predictions from Mahesh Palawat of Skymet Weather suggest light winter rainfall in the coming days, with temperatures expected to rise until January 20.
In its latest weather bulletin, the IMD forecasted a partly cloudy sky with moderate fog in many areas and dense fog in isolated pockets during the morning hours. The expected temperature range for Delhi is between 21°C and 23°C for maximums and 04°C to 06°C for minimums, indicating below-normal values for minimum temperatures.
Visibility issues further complicated matters, as the IMD issued a red alert for fog, effective until 8:15 AM, affecting areas like South East Delhi, Shahadra, and Central Delhi. The density of the fog led to visibility dropping to just 350 meters at Indira Gandhi International Airport, prompting authorities to warn travelers about possible flight disruptions and delays due to the implementation of “Low Visibility Procedures.”
In light of these conditions, the IMD has indicated that dense fog will persist across northwest India and Bihar over the next few days, contributing to a challenging winter season for residents.
Given the alarming air quality and severe weather alerts, it’s imperative for residents to take necessary precautions. Health experts recommend minimizing outdoor activities and using air purifiers indoors to combat the adverse effects of pollution. As the capital grapples with these environmental challenges, staying informed and proactive is crucial for safeguarding public health.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/delhi-on-imds-cold-wave-alert-aqi-plummets-to-severe-levels-hits-489-in-anand-vihar-as-toxic-smog-shrouds-capital-11768697379261.html
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Publish Date: 2026-01-18 07:01:00
