Residents of Delhi and NCR woke up to dense smog in the morning today (December 15). The dense blanket of smog has engulfed the entire capital and NCR region, which has reduced the visibility levels to near zero and slowed the traffic early morning in the city. The IMD has issued an orange alert for the dense fog and has alerted people to remain cautious while driving.
Dense fog in THESE states
The Meteorological Department has issued warnings for dense fog in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. Fog is expected in most areas of Punjab and Haryana on December 15–16, and in northeastern states from December 15–19. Himachal Pradesh will also experience fog during this period.
Delhi’s AQI remains in severe category
Delhi’s air quality remains in the “Severe Plus” category, with the overall AQI crossing 456. Ashok Vihar recorded 500, Anand Vihar and Akshardham above 490, and Dwarka at 469, indicating dangerously polluted air across the city.
A western disturbance is expected to develop around December 17. Cloudy skies are likely in Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The current weather is worsening air pollution and smog, though conditions may improve slightly from Tuesday.
Rain Chances in Delhi?
IMD predicts cloudy skies but no rain. Dense fog will continue in Delhi during the midnight and early morning hours. The Meteorological Department forecasts a further 1.5–2°C drop in nighttime temperatures across North India over the next 48 hours. Maximum daytime temperatures, however, are expected to remain mostly stable.
Snowfall in Hilly Areas
Hilly regions like Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir are experiencing severe cold. Shopian recorded 4.2°C, the lowest in the region. Light snowfall has occurred in higher areas, making roads slippery. Snowfall on December 9 affected the Srinagar-Leh highway. Rohtang Pass and other high-altitude areas of Himachal received snow recently, leading authorities to close the Manali-Leh road for vehicles beyond Darcha.
