Sun Nov 17 19:15:42 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Choked by Smog, Visibility Plummets as Air Quality Reaches Hazardous Levels
**New Delhi, November [Date]** – North India is grappling with a thick blanket of smog, significantly impacting visibility and air quality, particularly in Delhi and surrounding areas. The combination of fog and pollution has created hazardous conditions, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 349 on Wednesday morning, categorized as “severe.”
While the region typically experiences colder temperatures in November, this year’s onset of winter has been delayed. The current poor visibility is attributed to a mix of fog and smog, leading to disruption of flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Hindon Airport, and Amritsar Airport. Several flights were diverted due to low visibility.
The key difference between fog and smog lies in their formation. Fog, a naturally occurring phenomenon, results from condensation of water vapor in cool air. Smog, on the other hand, is a mix of pollutants and fog, typically appearing grayish-brown. The current situation in Delhi is primarily smog, exacerbated by pollution and low temperatures.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that the smog situation will likely worsen in the coming days due to a western disturbance bringing colder air from the Himalayas. While temperatures are expected to remain around 32 degrees Celsius during the day and 16-17 degrees Celsius at night, the increased pollution levels are a major concern.
The Central Pollution Control Board reported that air quality in areas like Anand Vihar and Aya Nagar was in the “severe” category. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely. The impact on air travel is expected to continue until the weather conditions improve. In a separate matter, the Punjab-Haryana High Court denied anticipatory bail to a man accused of sexually assaulting his daughter-in-law.
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