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The city of Delhi experienced a significant weather event on Sunday, as dense fog enveloped parts of the region, drastically reducing visibility and impacting daily life. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported visibility plummeting to as low as 50 meters in some areas, categorized as 'very dense' fog according to their classification system. This significantly impacted transportation, particularly air travel, with some flights experiencing delays at Delhi airport, although thankfully, no cancellations or diversions were reported. The reduced visibility, coupled with the overall atmospheric conditions, undoubtedly affected the daily routines of Delhi residents, making commutes challenging and impacting outdoor activities. The IMD's categorization of fog severity provides crucial context: 'moderate' fog is defined as visibility between 200 and 500 meters, 'dense' between 50 and 200 meters, and 'very dense' below 50 meters, clearly highlighting the severity of Sunday's conditions.
The cause of this dense fog, according to the IMD, is a western disturbance affecting northwest India, beginning its impact on Monday. This weather system is predicted to bring light rainfall to the region, spanning Monday night and into Tuesday. In anticipation of this weather event, the IMD issued a yellow alert for Monday, warning of moderate fog across most areas and dense fog in isolated locations. The official forecast predicts the arrival of two separate western disturbances, the first impacting the area on February 3rd and the second on the 8th. The first disturbance is already causing cloudiness and the significant fog, and the light rain is an anticipated consequence. This meteorological information provides valuable insight into the short-term weather predictions, alerting residents and relevant authorities to prepare for potential disruptions.
Beyond the immediate impact of reduced visibility and potential light rainfall, the prevailing air quality in Delhi remains a significant concern. Sunday recorded a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 326, classifying the air quality as 'very poor'. This is a slight improvement compared to Saturday's AQI of 355, however, it still presents a significant health risk to Delhi's population. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has forecast that this 'very poor' air quality will persist until February 4th, before potentially improving to 'poor'. This ongoing poor air quality underscores the importance of continued monitoring and efforts to mitigate pollution in the city. The CPCB's AQI scale provides a clear framework for understanding air quality: 0-50 is 'good', 51-100 is 'satisfactory', 101-200 is 'moderate', 201-300 is 'poor', 301-400 is 'very poor', and above 400 is 'severe'. The consistently high AQI levels emphasize the urgency of addressing Delhi's air pollution problem.
The temperature fluctuations in Delhi also reflect the changing weather patterns. Sunday saw a maximum temperature of 22.4°C, lower than the previous day's 26.2°C. However, the minimum temperature increased to 11.8°C, three degrees above normal, signaling relatively warmer nights. The forecast predicts a further decrease in maximum temperatures by Tuesday, ranging between 18-20°C due to the anticipated rain and overcast conditions. The minimum temperature is expected to fluctuate, with predictions ranging from 8-10°C on Monday and 11-13°C on Tuesday. These temperature variations highlight the dynamic nature of the weather system and its impact on Delhi's climate. The interplay of dense fog, light rainfall, and fluctuating temperatures creates a complex meteorological picture that necessitates close monitoring and adaptation from the city's residents and authorities.