Delhi-NCR Shrouded in Dense Fog, Cold Wave Intensifies; Flights Delayed, AQI Severe

• Dense fog enveloped Delhi-NCR, severely reducing visibility and worsening air quality, with minimum temperature at 4.4 degrees Celsius.
• Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 'Severe' category (402 at ITO, 368 overall), leading to reimposition of GRAP-III restrictions.
• Construction activities and other pollution-generating measures are now curbed across Delhi-NCR due to severe air quality.
• Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport were disrupted, causing delays due to dense fog and poor visibility.
• IMD forecasts dry winter weather; minimum temperatures to remain low initially, gradually rising to 8-10 degrees Celsius after January 18.

Why It Matters: Delhi-NCR faces severe cold, dense fog, and 'Severe' AQI, causing flight delays and GRAP-III restrictions.