India: Fog patches, cold waves and 'severe AQI'; IMD issues orange alert for rain in northern part of country

New Delhi, India

The Indian national capital, New Delhi, on Monday (23 Dec), woke up to a chilly morning with drizzle, waving a signal to the beginning of frigid winter days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the coming five days for rain, dense fog, and a dip in temperatures. "The coming days will bring challenges for Delhi residents as dense fog and biting cold combine with deteriorating air quality," said an IMD official.

Key highlights:

> According to the latest update at 5:30 am IST (12:00 am GMT), the temperature fluttered at 8 degrees Celsius, and humidity stayed at 97 per cent with no wind activity recorded. Residents are advised to stay cautious during foggy conditions.

> Heavy fog persists across Delhi-NCR

> Cyclone conditions in the South Bay of Bengal, a western disturbance, and snowfall in the northern hills of India are the reasons for temperatures to fall.

> IMD has further advised people to keep themselves warm.

ANI shared visuals of some areas in Delhi showing the present winter conditions.

AQI levels soar high

The national capital's air quality on Sunday (22 Dec) soared to a high of 409, 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) or 'severe' level, said the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

In some areas, AQI levels were recorded at 474, indicating dangerously high PM 2.5 levels.

Also Read: India: Delhi’s AQI remains 'very severe'; IMD predicts light rain, dense fog in coming days

AQI chart:

• 0-50: Good
• 51-100: Satisfactory
• 101-200: Moderate
• 201-300: Poor
• 301-400: Very Poor
• 401-500: Severe

Watch | India: Northern States Face Severe Cold Wave Conditions | World News | WION Dispatch

With this, Delhi people are all prepped up for freezing winters and awful AQI days; life in the capital remains a challenge. 

(With inputs from agencies)