The city of Delhi grappled with severe visibility concerns on Wednesday morning as dense fog blanketed several areas, causing transportation disruptions.
The Met department issued an orange alert at 8 am as visibility remained as low as 50 metres in numerous parts of the city.
The impact on transportation was evident, with reported delays in train services and potential disruptions in flight schedules. According to officials, around 25 trains arriving at Delhi railway stations were running behind schedule due to the foggy conditions.
Understanding the severity, it's essential to note the colour-coded alerts issued by the IMD, where an 'orange' alert signifies a call for preparedness among authorities while a 'red' alert demands heightened vigilance and immediate action.
Satellite images captured at 5.15 am depicted dense to very dense fog prevailing across Delhi. Visibility remained significantly low, recording only 50 metres at Safdarjung and 125 metres at Palam around 5.30 am.
Weather forecasters predict a potential improvement in the situation post 11 am, offering hope for relief from the dense fog. Mahesh Palawat, an official from Skymet, highlighted the near-zero visibility in several areas, emphasizing caution for commuters while expressing optimism about the conditions improving later in the day.
However, the challenging foggy conditions had a wider impact, not just limited to Delhi but also affecting Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and north Rajasthan. The fog's adverse effects were anticipated to impact rail, road, and air traffic in these regions.
Moreover, alongside the visibility issues, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded in the 'very poor' category, indicating worsening air quality. The AQI, measured at 383, reflected an increase from the previous day's 374, underscoring the need for heightened environmental concerns amidst the ongoing weather challenges.
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