Tue Feb 04 05:47:38 UTC 2025: ## Dense Fog and Poor Air Quality Disrupt Travel, Trigger Weather Warnings Across North India

**New Delhi, February 4, 2025** – A thick blanket of fog has enveloped parts of northern India, causing widespread travel disruptions and prompting weather warnings. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued alerts for dense fog in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and western Uttar Pradesh, with thunderstorms predicted for isolated areas in Himachal Pradesh.

Delhi woke to a chilly 14.4°C with 91% humidity, and calm wind conditions. However, the poor air quality, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 247 (categorized as “poor”), added to the challenges. The situation resulted in flight delays at Chennai International Airport due to fog.

Despite the current poor air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted Stage-III restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). This decision follows a recent improvement in the AQI, which dropped to 286 on February 3rd, below the 350 threshold for Stage-III measures. However, Stage I and II restrictions remain in place, and construction projects previously closed due to non-compliance will not resume without specific authorization. The CAQM warned that Stage-III measures would be immediately reinstated if the AQI surpasses 350, and Stage-IV if it exceeds 400.

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