For days now, the sprawling urban sprawl of Delhi and its surrounding National Capital Region has been shrouded in a thick blanket of fog. Morning commuters, who usually rely on the clear skies of the sub‑continent, find themselves navigating a haze that obscures familiar landmarks. The cold wave sweeping across northern India has not only lowered temperatures but has also intensified the already critical air quality situation in the area.
It is a scene that many residents have seen before, yet each instance feels distinct. The way the fog lingers over the Yamuna River, how it rolls over the bustling streets of Gurugram, and how it settles on the rooftops of Noida creates an almost cinematic atmosphere. The weather station readings at New Delhi airport report temperatures hovering around 8 °C, while the humidity has climbed to levels that make the air feel heavier. The National Centre for Medium‑Range Weather Forecasts (NCMRWF) has issued a cold wave alert for the region, warning that the chill could intensify in the coming days.
Fog is essentially a cloud that forms at ground level, created when moisture in the air condenses into tiny droplets. In the case of Delhi‑NCR, the process is amplified by several factors:
When the air cools to its dew point, the moisture condenses. In a densely built area with a lot of concrete and asphalt, the surface temperatures can remain relatively warm, providing a steady source of moisture. The result is a thick, low‑lying fog that can reduce visibility to less than 200 meters in extreme cases.
Cold waves are not uncommon in the northern plains during winter, but this year’s wave feels unusually sharp. The temperature drop is not just a drop on a thermometer; it has practical repercussions for daily life. School buses that usually glide through the city now pause at intersections for extended periods due to reduced visibility. Traffic congestion spikes as drivers slow down to avoid accidents. Even the electric grid experiences higher demand as people turn on heaters and air‑conditioners in an effort to stay warm.
Moreover, the cold wave interacts with the existing pollution problem. When the air cools, particulate matter tends to settle closer to the ground, creating a more concentrated layer of smog. This layering effect means that the air quality index (AQI) often rises, sometimes entering the “hazardous” range for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Delhi is no stranger to air pollution, but the fog adds a new dimension. The fog acts like a sponge, absorbing pollutants that are already airborne. Studies from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) show that during foggy periods, levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) can increase by up to 30 % compared to clear days. In addition, the fog can trap nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂), which are released from vehicles, industrial plants, and power stations.
One resident of South Delhi shared her experience: “When the fog rolls in, I notice the air feels thicker. My mother, who has asthma, often coughs more. We keep the windows closed, but the air inside the apartment still feels polluted.” Such anecdotes highlight how fog can make the already challenging air quality feel even more oppressive.
The fog has put a pause on several routine activities:
These disruptions underscore how a weather phenomenon can ripple through the city’s social fabric.
Fog and cold together create a hostile environment for respiratory health. The combination of low temperatures and high particulate matter levels can trigger:
Health officials in Delhi have urged people, especially the elderly and children, to limit outdoor activities during the peak fog hours. Hospitals in the region have reported a slight uptick in cases of shortness of breath and chest discomfort, prompting medical staff to prepare for a potential rise in emergency visits.
While the fog is a natural occurrence, there are measures individuals can take to protect themselves:
These simple actions can make a noticeable difference in how comfortable and safe residents feel during the foggy period.
The NCMRWF predicts that the cold wave may persist for another week, with temperatures dipping further in some pockets of the region. As the weather stabilises, the fog is likely to clear gradually, but the air quality may remain high for a while longer. City officials are working on measures such as temporary traffic restrictions and increased monitoring of pollution levels. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has already announced plans to deploy additional air quality sensors across the city to provide real‑time data for residents and policymakers.
From a broader perspective, this episode serves as a reminder of how interconnected weather, pollution, and public health are in a megacity like Delhi. While the fog may bring a moment of calm and a chance to pause, it also highlights the ongoing challenges that the city faces in managing its environment.
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