Delhi Grapples with Cold Wave, Dense Fog and Near-Severe Air Pollution

New Delhi, Dec 21, 2025 Delhi and the National Capital Region are experiencing a harsh winter day as cold wave conditions combine with severe air pollution and dense fog, causing disruptions across the city. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was 390 on Sunday morning, slightly improved from 398 the previous day, but still in the “very poor” category and on the verge of reaching “severe.” Certain areas reported even worse pollution. Chandni Chowk topped the list with an AQI of 455, followed by Wazirpur at 449, Bawana at 446, Rohini at 444, and Anand Vihar at 438. These high pollution levels coincided with Delhi’s first significant cold wave of the season. On Saturday, the maximum temperature dropped to 16.9°C, five degrees below normal, while persistent cloud cover and haze kept the sun hidden throughout the day. Daily life has been significantly impacted. Dense fog has reduced visibility in the capital and surrounding areas, affecting air travel. At least 129 flights were canceled at Delhi Airport on Saturday, though operations returned to normal on Sunday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, predicting dense to very dense fog overnight and in early morning hours. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected around 23°C and 9°C, respectively. Neighboring states including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are also facing low visibility, with isolated fog pockets forecast in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh between December 25 and 27. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa cited a western disturbance that could further worsen weather and pollution. He emphasized strict enforcement of the ongoing construction ban, responding to complaints of illegal activity. Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan has been in effect since December 13, including bans on construction and demolition, curbs on open burning, restrictions on non-BS VI vehicles, denial of fuel to vehicles without valid pollution certificates, and mandatory work-from-home for 50% of employees in offices. The mix of extreme cold, dense fog, and near-severe air pollution is raising health and safety concerns. Citizens are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, wear masks, and follow public health advisories, while authorities continue close monitoring to manage pollution and ensure safety during this challenging period. Delhi Grapples with Cold Wave, Dense Fog and Near-Severe Air Pollution Delhi is facing a tough winter as cold wave conditions mix with heavy pollution and thick fog, making life difficult for residents. On Sunday morning, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was at 390, slightly better than Saturday’s 398, but still in the “very poor” range and close to hitting the “severe” level. Certain areas reported even worse numbers, with Chandni Chowk at 455, Wazirpur at 449, Bawana at 446, Rohini at 444, and Anand Vihar at 438. The cold wave is Delhi’s first major one this season. On Saturday, the maximum temperature dropped to just 16.9°C, five degrees below normal, with thick clouds and haze keeping the sun hidden. Dense fog has lowered visibility, affecting roads and flights. On Saturday, 129 flights were cancelled at Delhi Airport, though flight operations returned to normal on Sunday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for dense to very dense fog overnight and in the early morning. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 23°C and 9°C. Neighboring states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are also seeing low visibility, and fog is expected in parts of Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh in the coming days. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa warned that a western disturbance could worsen pollution and weather conditions. Authorities are strictly enforcing Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan, which includes banning construction and demolition, limiting non-BS VI vehicles, stopping open burning, and asking 50% of government and private employees to work from home. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, wear masks, and follow safety instructions. The combination of cold, fog, and high pollution is a health risk, especially for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory problems. Authorities are monitoring the situation to keep the public safe.