A dense layer of fog shrouded Delhi on Friday morning, reducing visibility to zero and disrupting daily activities across the national capital. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the temperature in Delhi dropped to 9.6 degrees Celsius at 5:30 am. Forecasts indicate the minimum temperature is expected to dip further to 6 degrees Celsius, with the maximum hovering around 20 degrees Celsius amidst very dense fog.Flight operations affected by fogThe dense fog significantly impacted flight operations at Delhi Airport, prompting an advisory for travelers. The advisory stated, Due to dense fog, there has been an impact on flight departures. However, flights compliant with CAT III technology are landing and departing from Delhi Airport. Passengers are requested to contact their respective airlines for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted.Air quality declines to Severe categoryDelhis air quality plummeted into the severe category as the Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 409 at 7 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. This marked a sharp deterioration from Thursdays AQI of 299. The AQI scale categorizes readings between 401 and 500 as severe, posing health risks to residents.Night shelters filled amid cold waveAs temperatures dropped, night shelters across Delhi saw full occupancy. To address the needs of the homeless, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) established 235 pagoda tents at key locations, including AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and the Nizamuddin flyover. These shelters provide critical relief for those facing the harsh winter conditions.Delhi continues to grapple with the twin challenges of severe pollution and plummeting temperatures, compounded by the dense fog that disrupts transportation and daily life.
