Delhi News: Delhi is witnessing persistent poor air quality with no immediate relief in sight as dense fog and smog continue to blanket the national capital. As of early February, the Air Quality Index remains in the poor range, causing discomfort for residents and raising concerns for vulnerable groups.
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Several monitoring stations across the city have recorded AQI levels between 210 and 265, while a few localities have slipped into the very poor category, touching levels close to 370.
Weather Conditions Trap Pollutants
Delhi News: According to weather assessments, cold temperatures and stagnant winds are worsening pollution levels. Minimum temperatures have hovered between seven and eleven degrees Celsius, while daytime highs remain modest at seventeen to twenty-two degrees Celsius.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for dense fog, with visibility dropping to fifty to two hundred meters during early morning and late-night hours. Light southwest winds and partly cloudy skies have failed to disperse pollutants effectively.
This year’s February pollution levels are worse than usual, as seasonal wind shifts that normally improve air quality have been delayed.
Transport Services Face Disruptions
The combination of fog and smog has started affecting transportation across Delhi and the National Capital Region. Low visibility conditions have slowed rail movement, with patterns similar to past episodes where over one hundred trains faced long delays.
Air traffic has also remained cautious, with fog-related visibility issues impacting flight schedules during early morning hours. While large-scale cancellations have not been officially reported, delays remain a concern for commuters.
Forecast Brings Hope of Gradual Improvement
Meteorological projections suggest a gradual improvement in air quality starting around February five or six. Rising temperatures and stronger winds are expected to increase the ventilation index, allowing pollutants to disperse.
