Rain and Dense Fog Grip Delhi, Visibility Drops Sharply in Several Areas

Delhi was in continuation of a yellow alert issued by the Indian Meteorological Department amidst prevailing cold weather conditions in the national capital, that continued to shiver as the minimum temperature was recorded at 4.6-degree Celsius- the lowest this season.

The minimum temperature on Thursday was 5.8 degrees at Safdarjung, which was almost a degree less than the normal values, though much lower compared to yesterday's 8.6 degrees. Going back to the beginning of the year, the lowest minimum temperature was 5.6 degree recorded on December 4 & 5 last year. Cold day observation, however, did not occur despite the chilly conditions, said the IMD.

The weather department has also predicted that temperatures are expected to fall further. On Friday, the minimum temperature is expected to remain between 5 and7 degrees, while the maximum temperature is expected to remain at 16 and 18 degrees. The IMD has also predicted clear skies but also have warned that moderate to dense fog could form.

IMD further forecasted that there would be light to moderate rainfall along with the possibility of light thunderstorms and lighting in some places of Haryana during the early hours of January 9. There would be light rain at some isolated places in the regions of Delhi such as Preet Vihar, ITO, India Gate, Akshardham, and Safdarjung. Light rain was reported in parts of south Delhi including Sarita Vihar.

Dense fog in the city caused a sharp drop in visibility with Palam recording visibility as low as 100 metres. But there has been a slight increase in the maximum temperatures, due to a fog hole, an area with less fog formed in Delhi NCR which allowed more sunlight to reach the ground. Weather enthusiast Navdeep Dahiya, said, "Though the surface fog has cleared in some parts of Delhi, the upper-level fog is still prevailing in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan."

At the same time, air quality is a concern as there are no winds and fog that inhibit the dispersion of air pollutants. Areas in Delhi are experiencing poor to very poor air quality as PM levels remain high due to a lack of ventilation and rising emissions from vehicles and biomass fires.

The IMD has forecast that the effects of the winter conditions can be anticipated to escalate for the north of India till January 15. Additionally, the region can expect cold nights and dense fog. Moreover, the air quality may vary.