Delhi Weather Today: IMD Issues Orange Alert; AQI Crosses 450 Mark; School Holiday in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad?

Delhi and the adjoining National Capital Region (NCR) remained shrouded in dense smog on Monday, with poor visibility and hazardous air quality disrupting daily life across the region. The thick blanket of pollution led to near-zero visibility in several areas and slowed early-morning traffic across the city.

Delhi Weather Update: Orange Alert in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad & Nearby Areas

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for dense fog, urging people to remain cautious while driving. Nighttime temperatures in the national capital further dipped to 8.2 degrees Celsius, intensifying the harsh winter conditions.

Delhi AQI Today: Air Quality in "Severe Plus" Category, AQI Crosses 450 Mark

Air quality in Delhi remained in the "Severe Plus" category, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing the 450 mark, posing serious health risks. Pollution levels remained extremely high across multiple monitoring stations in Delhi-NCR. Anand Vihar and areas near Akshardham recorded AQI readings of 493, while Dwarka logged an AQI of 469, all falling in the 'Severe' range.

Pollution levels in Noida were even worse, with the AQI touching 454, placing it firmly in the 'Severe Plus' category, according to official data.

GRAP Stage IV Measures Implemented

In view of the deteriorating air quality, the Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) under the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced the implementation of Stage IV restrictions across Delhi and NCR with immediate effect on Saturday.

Following this directive, the administrations of Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar on Sunday, December 14, decided to modify school operations to limit students' exposure to hazardous air conditions.

School Holiday Today on 15 December in Delhi NCR?

The Delhi Government's Directorate of Education issued a circular on Saturday detailing revised school guidelines. As per the instructions:

• Schools will operate in hybrid mode from Monday for students up to Class IX and Class XI, combining online and offline teaching wherever feasible.
• Classes X and XII are exempted and will continue with in-person teaching.
• These instructions will remain in effect until further notice.

The circular dated December 13 applies to all government, government-aided, and unaided recognised private schools under the Directorate of Education, NDMC, MCD, and the Delhi Cantonment Board.

School Holidays in Noida, Ghaziabad and Other NCR Areas Due to Air Pollution?

Similar measures were announced by the administrations of Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar, as per official orders reported by PTI. According to these directives:

• Classes up to Class V in Noida and Greater Noida will be conducted online.
• Higher classes will follow a hybrid model, except Classes X and XII, which will continue with offline classes.
• The same guidelines will apply across other areas of Gautam Buddha Nagar as well.
• Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities, especially during early morning hours, and advised vulnerable groups to take necessary precautions as air quality and visibility conditions remain hazardous across the region.

Delhi Airport Flight Operations Disrupted Due to Dense Fog

The dense fog also significantly impacted flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. Airport authorities issued a morning advisory cautioning passengers about possible delays due to low visibility conditions. Travellers were advised to check flight status with their respective airlines before leaving for the airport, as arrivals and departures were affected during early hours.