Northern India is grappling with a pervasive blanket of dense to very dense fog, causing disruptions in several states, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. The meteorological forecast suggests that these visibility-hampering conditions will persist from the 16th morning through the 17th morning, with some areas experiencing dense fog on the 17th night and 18th morning. Additionally, isolated pockets may continue to face dense fog for the subsequent 24 hours.
As of 05:30 hours IST today, dense to very dense fog has been observed in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. Similar foggy conditions are affecting Northwest Rajasthan and North Madhya Pradesh, while West Bengal experiences moderate fog, and certain areas of Delhi have shallow fog. Due to these conditions, many flights have been cancelled. At the same time, Northern India is facing a severe air quality crisis. Major cities are witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, posing a significant threat to residents' health, especially senior citizens and those with respiratory problems. Haryana currently has the highest Air Quality Index (AQI) reading at 436, indicating hazardous air quality. Delhi closely follows with an AQI of 360, and Chandigarh stands at 353. Other states such as Punjab (205), Uttar Pradesh (173), Bihar (213), and West Bengal (200) are also grappling with deteriorating air quality.
Uttar Pradesh is facing challenging conditions due to the combination of fog disrupting normal life and exacerbating the air quality index. Several districts, including Agra, have had to close schools due to these adverse weather conditions, impacting the daily routine of citizens. The situation calls for heightened awareness and precautionary measures, especially for vulnerable populations.
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