Delhi Braces for Dense Fog, 'Yellow' Alert Issued; Air Quality Sees Slight Improvement

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Delhi residents can expect a chilly Saturday morning with dense fog affecting visibility, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). A 'yellow' alert has been issued, warning of reduced visibility due to fog. The IMD also predicts a cold wave in isolated pockets of Delhi and Haryana from January 3 to 6. The national capital experienced a cold wave on Friday, with a maximum temperature of 17.4°C, 1.9°C below normal, and a minimum temperature of 9.1°C, 2.2°C above the seasonal average. Air quality in Delhi has shown a slight improvement, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 236 on Friday, compared to 380 the previous day. However, the AQI is expected to remain in the 'poor' category from Saturday and may deteriorate to 'very poor' between January 4 and 5, according to the Air Quality Early Warning System. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas revoked curbs imposed under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) following the improvement in air quality. However, actions under Stages I and II of the GRAP will remain in force in the NCR. The city's pollution load was led by transport, accounting for 11.11% of the overall contribution, followed by peripheral industries, residential sources, construction, and waste burning. The air quality is expected to remain a concern in the coming days, with the IMD predicting a minimum temperature of 7°C and a maximum of 18°C on Saturday, accompanied by dense fog in the morning.