Triple attack of cold, fog and pollution in Delhi-NCR, AQI crosses 400 in many areas

Noida (The Uttam Hindu): Weather and pollution have once again intensified problems for people in Delhi-NCR. Cold conditions are strengthening steadily, with a continuous fall in minimum temperatures. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the impact of severe cold is expected to increase further in the coming days. Along with this, moderate to dense fog and very poor air quality may have a serious impact on public health.

As per IMD forecasts available on its website, moderate fog conditions are likely to prevail across Delhi-NCR from December 26 to December 28. The maximum temperature is expected to remain between 21–22°C, while the minimum temperature may drop to around 6–7°C. Humidity levels have been recorded at 90–95 percent, which could further thicken fog and smog. Although no formal weather warning has been issued yet, conditions cannot be termed normal.

The pollution situation remains alarming. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) show that several areas of Delhi and NCR have entered the red zone, with AQI crossing 400 at some locations. In Delhi, areas such as Vivek Vihar (376), Sonia Vihar (362), Wazirpur (355), Rohini (353), Anand Vihar (390), Bawana (379), Chandni Chowk (354) and DTU (349) recorded very poor air quality. Aya Nagar (219) and Mathura Road (279) showed relatively lower AQI, but levels remain unsafe for health.

Conditions in other NCR cities appeared even worse. Vasundhara and Ghaziabad touched AQI levels of 398, while Indirapuram (351), Loni (354) and Sanjay Nagar (332) stayed in the red zone. In Noida, pollution remained hazardous at Sector-125 (383), Sector-116 (361), Sector-1 (351) and Sector-62 (308). Greater Noida reported AQI levels of 400 at Knowledge Park-5 and 354 at Knowledge Park-3, indicating a severe situation.

Notably, after slipping briefly into the orange category, NCR once again deteriorated within a day, with most areas returning to the red zone. This triple attack of cold, fog and pollution has increased health risks for children, elderly people and respiratory patients. Doctors advise avoiding unnecessary outdoor movement, using masks and skipping morning and evening walks.

Meteorologists warn that in the coming days, residents of Delhi-NCR may continue to face severe cold along with toxic air and dense fog, making conditions even more challenging.