The chill of winter has begun to spread across North India, with plummeting temperatures and fresh snowfall in the hills influencing the plains. While people brace for the cold, air pollution has added to the region’s woes, especially in Delhi-NCR, where air quality continues to remain dangerously high. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) on Monday ranged from “very poor” to “severe” in several parts of the capital and surrounding cities.
As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light fog or haze may cover parts of Delhi-NCR during the early morning hours, leading to reduced visibility. Some sunshine is expected during the day, offering mild relief, but as evening approaches, the temperature is likely to drop again, intensifying the cold. The maximum temperature is forecast to reach around 29°C, while the minimum may settle near 17°C.
Delhi’s average AQI stood at 309 on Tuesday morning, placing it in the “very poor” category. At 11 a.m., Anand Vihar recorded an alarming AQI of 412, Narela 400, Rohini 384, and Chandni Chowk 325 — all indicating severe pollution. The NCR belt continued to face a similar crisis with Ghaziabad (340), Muzaffarnagar (339), Noida (312), and Greater Noida (300) all reporting “very poor” air quality.
CPCB data revealed that Kaithal (393), Baghpat (384), and Meerut (376) ranked among the most polluted cities in North India. Such high pollution levels have raised serious health concerns, particularly for those with respiratory illnesses. Even Jaipur and Chandigarh reported “poor” air quality with an AQI of 216 each.
Colder Winds Ahead, Pollution Likely to Linger:
Weather experts predict that icy winds from the western Himalayas will further lower temperatures across northern plains in the coming days. The combination of cold weather and trapped pollutants may worsen air quality, especially during mornings and late evenings. Health experts have advised children, the elderly, and those with breathing problems to avoid outdoor exposure during these hours.
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