Delhi Weather Update- Dense Fog to Persist with Possible Rain Next Week
Delhi Weather Update- Dense Fog to Persist with Possible Rain Next Week
The residents of Delhi continue to face a persistent foggy weather pattern, with no immediate relief in sight. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a three-day yellow alert starting from today due to dense fog, which is likely to cause disruptions, especially for road and rail traffic.
The alert warns of continued cold weather, with visibility issues that could hamper daily commuting. After the foggy conditions, rain is expected to make an appearance on January 22 and 23, along with strong winds.
On Saturday, dense fog affected the capital, with 47 trains delayed due to poor visibility. However, the situation improved as the sun came out later in the day, bringing some warmth. By the afternoon, the temperature rose slightly, alleviating the cold. Indian Railways reported that train operations were affected until 6 AM due to the fog but returned to normal soon after.
Fog Continues to Trouble Delhi Residents
Dense fog will persist in Delhi today, as the weather department has issued a yellow alert for foggy conditions. Meteorologists have warned that there will be moderate fog across most of the city, with pockets of dense fog in some areas, particularly during the morning hours. The fog will cause difficulties for drivers, and there could be disruptions in transportation throughout the city. The sky will remain partly cloudy, and smog and light fog are expected in the evening and night.
The maximum temperature for today is predicted to be around 21°C, while the minimum temperature will hover around 10°C. This means that the cold will persist, particularly in the early hours of the day. The increasing fog will add to the chill, making the morning feel colder.
Cold Winds Intensify the Chill
The cold conditions are exacerbated by the cold winds from the mountains, which have intensified the fog and chill in the air. On Saturday, visibility was reduced to just 200 meters at Palam Airport between 3:00 AM and 4:30 AM. At Safdarjung Airport, visibility was recorded at only 500 meters at 7:00 AM. The humidity levels in the air ranged between 57% and 97%, contributing to the discomfort caused by the fog and cold.
While the sun broke through the fog after 11:00 AM on Saturday, it did little to alleviate the chilly feeling. The maximum temperature that day was 20.7°C, which was slightly above normal, while the minimum temperature of 10.2°C was lower than expected for this time of year. Winds were light, with speeds between 6 and 8 kilometers per hour, but still, the cold lingered, making it feel much colder than the actual temperature.
Rain Forecast for the Coming Week
The weather is expected to change as we move into next week. On January 20 and 21, the fog will remain moderate across most parts of Delhi, and the temperature will continue to hover around 21°C during the day, with the minimum temperature remaining around 10°C. However, by January 22 and 23, conditions will shift. The skies will turn cloudy, and there are chances of rain, primarily in the evening and night. Light drizzle or rain could cool things down, dropping the maximum temperature to around 18°C, while the minimum may rise to about 12°C.
After the rain clears, the weather will stabilize, and from January 24 onwards, Delhi will experience clearer skies. The maximum temperature is expected to rise back to 20°C, while the minimum will drop to 9°C, bringing a more typical winter feel.
Air Quality Worsens as Pollution Levels Increase in Delhi
In addition to the fog, Delhi’s air quality has become a growing concern. On Saturday, the pollution levels were deemed “bad,” and the air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 255. Other nearby areas like Faridabad (AQI 116), Ghaziabad (AQI 133), and Noida (AQI 147) also reported poor air quality. The pollution levels are expected to remain at a “bad” or “very bad” level for the next several days. The air quality could worsen further on January 19, but by January 20 and 21, it is likely to stabilize at the “bad” level before fluctuating between “bad” and “very bad” levels for the next six days.
The wind speeds are predicted to be between 6 and 12 kilometers per hour today, with stronger winds expected on January 20 and 21, reaching speeds of 8 to 18 kilometers per hour. This could help clear some of the fog but may not significantly improve air quality.
Delhi’s weather continues to be dominated by dense fog and chilly conditions, making it challenging for commuters and residents. With a three-day fog alert in place, travelers are advised to exercise caution and allow extra time for their journeys.
The forecast predicts the continuation of these foggy conditions into the early part of next week, with the possibility of rain on January 22 and 23. Along with the fog, pollution levels are expected to remain hazardous, posing a health risk to residents. As the week progresses, conditions will improve slightly, but people should remain prepared for fluctuating temperatures and varying air quality.
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