Abatement in cold wave conditions are expected from Wednesday, AQI reaches 418 in Delhi-NCR
Abatement of cold wave conditions over the plains of northwest India is expected from Wednesday. Dense to very dense fog conditions over many parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh may remain Tuesday, however, decrease in intensity and distribution is expected thereafter. The minimum temperature has risen in many parts of northwest India and adjoining northern parts of Madhya Pradesh by 1.3 degrees Celsius. Due to the approaching of fresh Western Disturbance from 10th January night, minimum temperatures are very likely to rise by 2-4°C over Northwest India after 24 hours, says The Meteorological Department.
In the meantime, pollution along with the cold in Delhi-NCR has increased the problems of the people. The average Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi-NCR was recorded at 418 on Tuesday. It comes under a serious category. In view of the increasing level of pollution, the Delhi government has banned diesel-run vehicles in the capital till Friday. That is, the restrictions of Grap Four have been implemented.
It is noteworthy that the air quality index level from 0-50 is considered good. 51-100 is considered satisfactory, 101-200 normal, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor, and 400 severe. The level of PM10 in the air should not exceed 100 and PM 2.5 should not exceed 60 micrograms per cubic meter.
This year, the cold waves have broken the records of the last five decades in many places in the country. The Meteorological Department predicts dense to very dense fog in northwestern states during next 4-5 days. Minimum temperatures are in the range of 2-6°C over many parts of northwest India and Madhya Pradesh. Similarly, very dense fog in many pockets in Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, and in isolated pockets over Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Assam and Meghalaya was seen.
Impacts expected
The weather conditions are affecting some airports, highways and railway routes in the areas of met- sub-division. Dozens of flights have either been delayed or cancelled. Similarly, train services have also been effected seriously. Difficult driving conditions with slower journey times are also seen. Chances of tripping of power lines in the very dense fog routes may also happen. Dense fog contains particulate matter and other pollutants and in case exposed, it gets lodged in the lungs, clogging them and decreasing their functional capacity which increases episodes of wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
Impact on people having asthma bronchitis
Long time exposure to dense fog may cause respiratory problem for people having asthma bronchitis and other lung related health problems. Dense fog contains pollutions of various types and these pollutants in the air, if exposed, may tend to irritate the membranes of the eye causing various infections leading to redness or swelling of the eye.
Suggestions for the people
The IMD has suggested to remain careful while driving or outing through any transport. It has also advised to use fog lights during driving and be in touch with airlines and railway and state transport for schedule of once journey. Similarly, it has also suggested to avoid outing until unless emergency and to cover the face.
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