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Delhi Faces Dense Fog and Cold Wave Amid Orange Weather Alert

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. fog-and-cold-wave-amid-orange-weather-alert.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, December 21st 2025 at 4:07 GMT by TheHealthSite
      Locale: National Capital Territory of Delhi, INDIA

Delhi Weather Update: AQI, Orange Alert and Flight Disruptions Amid Dense Fog and Cold Wave

The capital city of Delhi is grappling with a multifaceted weather crisis that has put residents and travellers on high alert. According to a recent report from The Health Site, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the entire northern region of the country, citing a dense fog that has engulfed the city, a severe cold wave that is sweeping across North India, and the accompanying threat to air quality and aviation operations. The article offers a detailed look at the present conditions, their health implications, and the steps authorities are taking to mitigate the impact.

1. What the IMD Orange Alert Means

An orange alert on the IMD’s national scale indicates “moderate” to “severe” meteorological hazards, urging the public and transport operators to exercise caution. In Delhi’s case, the alert stems from:

• Heavy fog: Visibility is limited to roughly 300–400 metres in most areas, and the fog is expected to persist into the afternoon.
• Cold wave: Temperatures have dropped to as low as 4 °C at night and are forecast to stay around 10–12 °C during the day.
• Strong winds: Gales of up to 30 km/h have been recorded, further reducing visibility.

The IMD has urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay indoors when possible. It has also advised that flights at major airports—most notably Indira Gandhi International—be closely monitored for cancellations or delays.

2. Air‑Quality Index (AQI) at a Glance

Delhi’s Air‑Quality Index (AQI) is currently at 122, which falls in the “moderate” category on the national scale. The main contributors to this figure are:

The article links to the Government of India’s Air Quality Monitoring Dashboard (https://airquality.gov.in) for real‑time data and a historical comparison. For those in Delhi and surrounding districts, it is advisable to keep windows shut, use air purifiers, and avoid outdoor activities, especially for children, the elderly and anyone with pre‑existing health conditions.

3. Health Advisory Highlights

• Masks: Wearing N95 masks is recommended, especially during peak fog hours.
• Indoor Air Quality: Use activated charcoal filters or HEPA air purifiers.
• Hydration: Even in cold weather, drinking warm fluids helps keep the respiratory tract moist.
• Medical Preparation: Those with chronic conditions such as asthma or COPD should carry inhalers and have a medical plan in place.

A short excerpt from the article’s health section quotes Dr. Rajesh Kumar, a pulmonologist in Delhi, who stresses that “the combination of cold, humidity, and fine particulate matter can trigger severe respiratory distress, particularly in vulnerable groups.”

4. Impact on Flight Operations

Due to low visibility, Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) has reported a wave of flight delays and cancellations. The article references the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) announcement (link to official DGCA site), confirming that:

• All domestic flights scheduled before 16:00 hrs were either delayed or diverted.
• International arrivals on the eastern route (from the Middle East) were affected the most.
• Ground operations, such as cargo loading and vehicle pickups, have been slowed, creating a ripple effect across supply chains.

Passengers are urged to check the Air India or IndiGo real‑time flight status pages for updates. The article also provides a quick‑look table showing the number of flights cancelled in the first 12 hours of the alert.

5. Local and Regional Response

• Emergency Services: Delhi Police and municipal fire services have deployed additional teams for traffic control and emergency medical aid.
• Public Transport: Metro and bus services are operating on a modified timetable to account for traffic snarls caused by fog. The Delhi Metro’s official app offers real‑time status updates (link to app).
• Public Awareness Campaign: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a “Stay Safe in Fog” initiative, featuring a series of short videos on how to protect oneself from fog‑related health hazards (link to ministry’s YouTube channel).

The article also cross‑references a piece from The Hindu (https://www.thehindu.com/...) that discusses the historical pattern of fog in Delhi, noting that this year’s event is more intense than in 2023, largely due to a combination of agricultural smoke from neighbouring states and a late‑season cold front.

6. Forecast and Expected Relief

Meteorological models predict that the fog will gradually dissipate by late afternoon, with visibility improving to 800–1,000 metres. However, the cold wave is expected to persist into Thursday, with temperatures still hovering below 15 °C. The IMD advises that people remain cautious until at least 18:00 hrs on Thursday, as the wind could create sudden gusts that further reduce visibility.

7. Practical Take‑aways for Delhi Residents

8. Conclusion

The confluence of a dense fog, a severe cold wave, and a moderate‑to‑severe air‑quality alert has made Delhi a city under a tight, multi‑layered weather watch. While the fog’s presence is likely to ease as the day progresses, the cold front and air‑pollution levels remain concerning until early next week. The IMD’s orange alert and the comprehensive health advisory by the Ministry of Health are reminders that vigilance, preparedness, and timely information are key to weathering this atmospheric storm.

For real‑time updates, readers can visit the official IMD website (https://mausam.imd.gov.in), the Delhi Metro app, and the Ministry of Health’s “Stay Safe in Fog” video series. The Health Site’s original article also includes a downloadable PDF of the full AQI report for those interested in a deeper dive.