New Delhi, India

Delhi woke up to a dense fog as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert on Monday (Nov 18) after visibility dropped to 150 metres. The road, rail, and air traffic in the national capital and nearby regions are likely to be affected.

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“There are chances of dense to very dense fog in Delhi on Monday. An orange alert has thus been issued, with smog expected later in the day too,” said an IMD official, as per an HT report.

According to the weather department, Delhi has also observed a dip in the maximum temperatures since Sunday (Nov 17). The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to remain between 28 to 30 degrees Celcius and 12 to 17 degrees Celcius respectively, as per IMD. The fog is likely to reduce in the evening, as per the weather forecast.

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As per the IMD report, “The fog/smog may affect some airports, highways and railway routes in the areas of Met sub-division. Ferry services also to be affected. Difficult driving conditions with slower journey times.”

Dense to very dense fog is also expected in other North Indian regions including Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, North Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar in the early morning and late night hours of Monday (Nov 18). These weather conditions are likely to affect the visibility in these regions.

According to the weather department, temperatures are likely to fall by 2-3 degrees Celsius in Northwestern parts of the country over the next five days.

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Flight operations affected in Delhi

IndiGo Airlines issued an advisory for passengers as the fog conditions in the national capital reduced visibility, affecting flight operations.

Also read | Stricter GRAP-IV anti-pollution measures kick in as Delhi air quality deteriorates to ‘severe plus’ category

The airline wrote on X, “Fog is currently affecting visibility in Delhi, which may result in slow-moving traffic and delays in flight schedules. We recommend allowing extra travel time and checking flight status before starting your journey. Safe travels!”

Delhi air quality deteriorates

The air quality in Delhi continues to deteriorate. The city recorded a “severe-plus” air quality index (AQI) of 487 at 8 am on Monday (Nov 18). Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented by the Delhi government to tackle the problem of pollution after the national capital crossed the 450 mark on Sunday, November 17.

(With inputs from agencies)