KKN Gurugram Desk | The cold winds sweeping through Delhi have intensified the winter chill in the capital. On Friday, the maximum temperature at Safdarjung Observatory, the standard weather station for Delhi, was recorded 1.6°C below normal. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow fog alert for Saturday, while thunderstorms and rain are predicted for January 22 and 23.

Dense Fog Engulfs Delhi in Morning Hours

On Friday morning, most parts of Delhi were shrouded in dense fog. Visibility levels at Palam and Safdarjung weather stations ranged between 0 to 100 meters between 4 AM and 8 AM. However, as wind speed increased, the fog started to dissipate by mid-day. Despite clearer skies, the day remained overcast with a persistent haze, limiting sunlight and intensifying the chill due to cold winds blowing from snow-covered regions.

Rain Improves Air Quality

The recent rainfall and increased wind speed have contributed to some improvement in Delhi-NCR’s air quality. However, pollution levels remain in the “poor” category. The Central Pollution Control Board reported Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) at 289 on Friday, marking a 13-point improvement from Thursday’s AQI of 302. Experts predict that air quality will not completely clear over the next two days due to varying weather conditions.

Relaxation in GRAP-3 Restrictions

With the improvement in air quality, restrictions under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have been lifted. The Central Air Quality Management Commission decided to withdraw construction bans and vehicle restrictions following a review on Friday.

Weather Forecast for the Next 6 Days

January 18, 2025: Dense fog is likely at isolated places during the morning, with clear skies expected later. Light fog or mist may reappear at night.
January 19, 2025: Moderate fog may cover most areas in the morning, with partly cloudy skies. Light fog may persist at night.
January 20, 2025: Moderate fog is expected in the morning, with clear skies during the day. Light fog or mist may appear at night.
January 21, 2025: Light to moderate fog is likely in the morning, with a mostly cloudy sky during the day. Light fog may return at night.
January 22, 2025: Light fog is expected in the morning, with overcast skies and light rain or thunderstorms likely during the day. Fog may reappear at night.
January 23, 2025: Light fog in the morning, with overcast skies and chances of rain or thunderstorms. Fog or mist may reappear at night.