The icy grip of winter tightened its hold on Uttar Pradesh this Saturday, as Noida, Aligarh, and Ghaziabad were shrouded in dense fog, causing a further drop in mercury levels. Locals were spotted gathering around bonfires on the streets to seek respite from the chilling temperatures.
Simultaneously, the national capital experienced a drop in temperature, with Palam registering a minimum of 14°C, while Safdarjung recorded 12.2°C on Saturday. Residents engaging in cycling or morning walks expressed the severity of the cold, stating that the mercury plummeted significantly in the early hours.
“The extreme cold is making morning strolls more challenging for us. The combination of fog and pollution is exacerbating the difficulties faced by commuters and walkers. We find ourselves stepping outdoors wearing masks to counter health issues arising from pollution,” remarked a local to ANI on Saturday.
According to SAFAR-India (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was classified as ‘Very Poor’ at 8:07 am on Saturday. The foggy conditions and heightened pollution levels are posing health concerns for the residents.
In response to the prevailing weather conditions, the national weather forecasting agency has predicted a 2-3 degrees Celsius increase in the minimum temperature across North India in the next three days. As winter intensifies, residents are advised to take necessary precautions to cope with the challenging weather conditions.