Delhi starts 2025 under a shroud of fog, poor air quality

Delhi entered 2025 with a hazy morning due to shallow to moderate fog on Jan 1, which made visibility difficult and made the temperature even lower.

The early hours saw a chilly 8°C, but the daytime high was a pleasant 18°C.

With an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 278 by 8 am, which indicates excessive pollution levels, the city's air quality deteriorated and fell into the "poor" category.

The city experienced mild fog on Jan 1, and the temperature dropped slightly to at least 7.4°C.

Throughout the day, the weather department predicted chilly temperatures and heavy fog in several places.

The minimum temperature was almost 2°C colder than the previous day, but it was still marginally above average.

At 87% humidity, a maximum temperature of 18°C was recorded.

In order to ensure safe landings in low visibility, special flight procedures were implemented at Indira Gandhi International Airport due to the dense fog.

Delhi residents are prepared for more chilly mornings, and fog-related interruptions are probably here to stay.

After Jan 3, however, milder temperatures and improved visibility are expected.

In addition, a western disturbance in the area is predicted to provide significant rain and snowfall in areas of North India, including Jammu and Kashmir, beginning on Jan 4.