Extremely dense fog engulfs Delhi IGI Airport; visibility drops to 125 metres: IMD

Delhi weather update: Thick fog enveloped the national capital on Monday morning (December 25), due to the effects of the falling mercury. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the temperature in Delhi in the morning was recorded at 9.4 degrees Celsius. Visibility dropped to 125 metres in several parts of Delhi, and most parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) also experienced low visibility.

IMD also observed very dense fog around the Delhi IGI Airport at 5:30 a.m.

"Very dense fog with zero visibility prevailing at Delhi IGI Airport since 0530 hrs IST today. RVR at all RWYs 125 to 175m and Operations are under CAT IIIB," IMD tweeted.

Additionally, Delhi's air quality on Monday remained in the 'very poor' category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hovering around 400, according to data provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, 401 and 450 severe, and above 450 severe-plus.

In response to the prevailing conditions, all non-essential construction work has been banned in the Delhi-National Capital Region.

The Meteorological Department has also given a list of Northwest India stations that reported minimum temperatures in the range of 7°C to 10°C.

Meanwhile, moderate to dense fog is observed in isolated pockets of East Rajasthan and East Uttar Pradesh, and shallow fog is seen in isolated pockets of Chandigarh, West U.P., East M.P., Bihar, Odisha, and Vidarbha, as per reports.

On Sunday, the minimum temperature had settled at 9.1 degrees Celsius. Due to the chilling cold, many sought refuge at night shelters in various parts of the national capital. Similar scenes unfolded elsewhere, with locals gathering near fires in the Lodhi Road area to seek comfort.

Visuals from Lodhi Road, Munirka, RK Puram, and Ring Road near AIIMS depicted a thick layer of fog hanging overhead, with only a few vehicles and commuters venturing out into the streets.

(With inputs from agencies)

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