<p>According to the IMD, a western disturbance as a cyclonic circulation lies over southwest Iran and its surrounding areas in the lower and middle tropospheric levels. This system is expected to bring light to moderate scattered rainfall across the plains of northwest India from January 10-12. Thunderstorm conditions are likely in isolated areas of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh on January 11, with the possibility of an isolated hailstorm in south Haryana on the same day. Minimum temperatures were reported between 1-4 degrees Celsius in isolated areas of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, and between 5-10 degrees Celsius across many parts of the northwest.</p>
<h2>Severe Cold and Dense Fog in Punjab and Haryana</h2>
<p>Cold to severe cold conditions were observed in isolated pockets of Punjab and Haryana on Thursday. Dense fog with visibility below 50 meters was reported in Punjab, while zero visibility affected Amritsar and Pathankot. Visibility was also significantly reduced in parts of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, affecting travel.</p>
<h2>Delhi Misses Pollution Reduction Targets</h2>
<p>Delhi failed to meet its NCAP target to reduce PM10 levels by 20-30% by 2023, achieving only a 12% reduction by 2024. In response, the CAQM imposed construction bans and vehicle restrictions under Stage III of GRAP in Delhi and neighboring regions.</p>
<h2>Dense Fog Disrupts Travel in Delhi</h2>
<p>Dense fog severely disrupted travel in Delhi, delaying 26 trains and over 100 flights. The Delhi airport implemented CAT III operations for compliant flights, while passengers were advised to check flight statuses and allow extra time for travel due to reduced visibility.</p>
<h2>Air Quality in Delhi Worsens</h2>
<p>Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply, falling into the ‘severe’ category with an <a title=”Air Quality Index” href=”https://news.abplive.com/aqi” data-type=”interlinkingkeywords”>Air Quality Index</a> (<a title=”AQI” href=”https://news.abplive.com/aqi” data-type=”interlinkingkeywords”>AQI</a>) of 409 at 7 am, compared to 299 the previous day. The ‘severe’ category indicates hazardous air conditions that pose health risks to residents. To combat the cold weather, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) set up 235 pagoda tents across the city to accommodate the homeless, with shelters located at multiple sites, including AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and under the Nizamuddin flyover.</p>
Founder
Website: https://www.rahamatabad.com