Triple Crisis of cold, fog and pollution hits the capital; chances of rain in these states today

Noida (The Uttam Hindu): Delhi-NCR is facing a growing triple challenge of cold weather, dense fog, and severe air pollution. According to the latest data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and pollution control agencies, conditions remain alarming across the capital and surrounding regions.

Dense fog during morning hours is disrupting daily life, while air quality has worsened sharply. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in many parts of Delhi has crossed 400, placing them in the “severe” category. As per the IMD forecast, moderate to dense fog is expected on December 22, with temperatures likely to range between a maximum of 21°C and a minimum of 9°C. On December 23, fog may persist at moderate levels, with temperatures around 22°C (maximum) and 10°C (minimum). A further drop in temperature is expected on December 24, when the maximum may fall to 19°C and the minimum to 9°C.

Pollution levels across Delhi-NCR remain critically high. AQI readings show dangerous conditions in several areas, including Anand Vihar (404), Bawana (408), Narela (418), Mundka (401), DTU (400), and Punjabi Bagh (around 380). Other locations such as Okhla Phase-2, Nehru Nagar, Ashok Vihar, and Alipur also recorded AQI close to or above 390. In Noida, AQI levels ranged between 335 and 381, while Ghaziabad areas like Indirapuram, Sanjay Nagar, and Vasundhara reported AQI values exceeding 300.

In response to worsening air quality and weather conditions, authorities have implemented precautionary measures. In Delhi, 50 percent of government employees have been allowed to work from home. Schools up to Class 5 are operating in online mode, while Classes 6 to 12 are being conducted in a hybrid format to safeguard children’s health.

Rain likely in Himachal and Punjab

Punjab and Chandigarh continue to experience dense fog, with visibility remaining very low in cities such as Amritsar and Jalandhar. Ludhiana has reported cold day conditions, while Bathinda, Amritsar, Halwara, and Gurdaspur witnessed dense fog. The weather department has warned that Punjab may face severe cold and fog over the next five days. Cold winds from Jammu and Kashmir, following recent snowfall, are affecting northern plains. A yellow alert has been issued till December 27 for dense fog and cold day conditions, and light rainfall is possible at some locations today.