Overview
- Citywide air quality deteriorated into the very poor range, with Delhi’s AQI reported around 302–336 and hotspots such as Mundka at 369 and Nehru Nagar at 360, according to CPCB data.
- Delhi airport shifted to CAT III operations for low visibility and warned of delays, and 16 flights—eight arrivals and eight departures—were cancelled due to predicted reduced visibility.
- IMD issued yellow alerts for dense to very dense fog and signalled cold-day conditions in pockets, with maximums around 13–16°C and minimums near 7–9°C across the capital.
- Meteorologists and CPCB advised limiting outdoor exposure and following GRAP guidance, noting that fog and low winds are trapping pollutants near the surface.
- Authorities in Gautam Buddh Nagar ordered all schools up to Class 8 to remain closed until January 10 because of dense fog and severe cold, as IMD projects peak cold between January 8 and 15 with a possible 2–3°C drop in some areas.