A dense envelope of fog has been observed in the National Capital on Thursday morning, December 26, 2024. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature of New Delhi has dropped down to 7 C, along with a possibility of dense fog.

Notably, the dense fog has disrupted several necessities of the locals, including causing delays for 18 trains arriving in Delhi from across the country. Despite the fog and low visibility, the flights from the Indira Gandhi Airport remained on schedule.

The overall air quality index of Delhi is in the very poor category. The weather department has predicted the possibility of dense fog likely to remain constant in the late night and early morning hours in Delhi on December 26 and 28.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert across the city, predicting the partly cloudy atmosphere with very little chance of precipitation towards evening or night.

The areas of Delhi, including Safdarjung, reported 3 mm of rainfall between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. Ayanagar recorded 6mm during the same period.

Low Visibility Observed at Delhi Airport

This is to be noted that earlier today, low visibility procedures were implemented at Delhi Airport on Thursday morning, December 26, 2024. However, the flights are scheduled on time, the official advisory said.

Taking to their social media platform X, Delhi Airport has also stated that the low visibility procedures are to be in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations have been carrying out normally.

Further, the airport authorities have also instructed the advised passengers to stay informed about flight updates by contacting their respective airlines. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information, the post added.

Central Pollution Control Board Issues Report

The Central Pollution Control Board has recorded the Air Quality Index at 372 at 8 am on Thursday. On Wednesday, Delhis AQI was at 360, with an overall poor Air Quality Index. The AQI at some regions of Delhi, including Anand Vihar, was reported at 372, Ashok Vihar at 362 and Bawana at 376.

Supreme Court Guidelines

Taking note of all these conditions, the Supreme Court has directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to impose stage 3 and stage 4 restrictions if the Air Quality Index surpasses 400.