Noida . Along with winter, the first dense fog of the season has engulfed the National Capital Region (NCR). Visibility is significantly reduced in the morning and night across the entire NCR including Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad, affecting normal life and traffic. According to the local forecast of the Meteorological Department, along with the maximum temperature, there will be a decline in the minimum temperature in the coming days, due to which the cold is likely to increase further.

According to the local weather report, on December 13, the maximum temperature was recorded around 23 degrees Celsius and the minimum was 11 degrees Celsius. The weather forecast indicates moderate fog. Similarly, on December 14, the maximum temperature is expected to be 24 degrees and the minimum will be 11 degrees Celsius. There are signs of further drop in the temperature on December 15, when the maximum temperature may go down to 23 degrees and minimum 9 degrees Celsius. At present, no weather warning has been issued, but caution is being advised due to fog. Meanwhile, air pollution in Delhi-NCR has made the situation more serious.

Delhi’s average air quality index (AQI) on Saturday was recorded at 387, which falls in the “very poor” category. This level is considered extremely dangerous for children, elderly and people suffering from respiratory diseases. A continuous increase in pollution has been seen in the last week. AQI was recorded at 282 on Tuesday, 259 on Wednesday, 307 on Thursday and 349 on Friday, which increased to near critical level on Saturday. According to official data, AQI has crossed 400 in 18 areas of Delhi, which falls in the “severe” category. Wazirpur was the most affected area, where AQI was recorded at 443.

After this, Jahangirpuri (439), Vivek Vihar (437), Rohini and Anand Vihar (434), Ashok Vihar (431), Sonia Vihar and DTU (427), Narela (425), Bawana (424), Nehru Nagar (421), Patparganj (419), ITO (417), Punjabi Bagh (416), Mundka (415), Burari Crossing. (413), Chandni Chowk (412) and DU North Campus (401). Health experts have advised people to avoid going out unnecessarily, use masks and follow the guidelines issued under GREP (Graded Response Action Plan). If the wind speed remains low as the cold increases in the coming days, the pollution situation may worsen.