Dense fog disrupts flight operations in Delhi on Christmas; AQI improves after rain
PTC Web Desk: Delhi and its surrounding regions woke up to dense fog on Christmas morning, severely affecting visibility and causing disruptions to flight operations. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert, warning of dense fog during the early hours. The maximum and minimum temperatures for the day are expected to be 22°C and 9°C, respectively, with visibility dropping to 100 metre at Safdarjung and Palam weather stations.
The Delhi airport issued a fog alert at 5.45 am, cautioning that flights without CAT III navigation systems could face delays or cancellations. CAT III technology enables aircraft to land safely in low-visibility conditions caused by fog or adverse weather. "Passengers are requested to contact their respective airlines for updated flight schedules. We deeply regret any inconvenience," the airport stated in its advisory.
Despite the fog, a tweet posted earlier at 1.40 am confirmed that low visibility procedures were in effect and flight operations were continuing as normal at the time.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi recorded a reading of 334 at 6 am, categorised as 'very poor.' This marked an improvement from Tuesday morning's AQI of 398. Rainfall on Tuesday evening brought further relief, reducing the AQI to 358, although it remained within the 'very poor' category. As a result, GRAP-IV restrictions, including a ban on construction activities, were lifted.
Out of 37 air quality monitoring stations in Delhi, two—Mundka and Nehru Nagar—reported 'severe' air quality, 32 stations recorded 'very poor' levels, and the remaining stations were categorized as 'poor.'
AQI ratings are classified as follows:
0-50: Good
51-100: Satisfactory
101-200: Moderate
201-300: Poor
301-400: Very Poor
401-500: Severe
On the other hand, Tuesday saw a maximum temperature of 20.8°C, slightly warmer than the seasonal norm, and a minimum temperature of 9.9°C, two degrees above average. Cloudy skies persisted throughout the day.
The IMD has forecast another spell of rain in Delhi from December 26 to December 28, which could further influence weather patterns and air quality.
- With inputs from agencies
