Fog Lingers in Delhi: Orange Alert Issued, Air Quality Expected to Deteriorate

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Delhi residents woke up to a thick blanket of fog on Saturday, with the city's air quality remaining in the 'very poor' category. An orange alert has been issued, warning of possible moderate to dense fog throughout the day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that fog will persist in many areas, with dense fog in isolated places. The air quality index (AQI) recorded on Saturday stood at 384, a slight increase from the previous day's average of 382. According to forecasts by the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS), the AQI is expected to deteriorate to the severe category by the end of the week. The IMD classifies fog into four categories: shallow (visibility between 500m and 1,000m), moderate (visibility between 200m and 500m), dense (visibility between 50m and 200m), and very dense (visibility below 50m). At 8:30 am on Saturday, visibility at Safdarjung was as low as 200m, while at Palam it was 350m. Delhi's airport has been experiencing disruptions, with over 200 flights delayed by 9 am. The minimum temperature has also seen a sharp dip, dropping to 6.1 degrees Celsius, two degrees below normal. Experts warn that the combination of cold temperatures and calm winds will exacerbate pollution levels, making it essential for residents to take necessary precautions. For the next two days, a yellow alert has been issued, warning of possible fog and poor air quality. Residents are advised to stay indoors, especially those with respiratory issues, and to take necessary precautions to minimize exposure to poor air quality.