January 10, 2025: A thick blanket of fog engulfed Delhi and neighboring areas, including Ghaziabad and Noida, early Friday morning, causing near-zero visibility and widespread disruption. The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) issued an advisory warning travelers about possible delays, with more than 100 flights reportedly delayed.

The dense fog coincided with severely deteriorated air quality in the region. At 6:05 am, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 409, placing it in the 'severe' category, according to data from the Sameer app, which tracks the National Air Quality Index.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a temperature of 9.6°C at 5:30 am, with a forecast of a minimum temperature of 6°C and a maximum of 20°C during the day. IMD officials have predicted that the foggy conditions will persist, with "very dense fog" expected throughout the morning hours.

Travelers across Delhi-NCR faced disruptions as reduced visibility affected both air and rail transportation. While the exact number of impacted trains was not immediately available, the delays at IGI Airport caused significant inconvenience for passengers. Authorities urged travelers to check for updates before heading to the airport or railway stations.

The fog and pollution combined to create challenging conditions for residents, with health experts advising people to minimize outdoor activities, especially those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged residents to take precautions, including using air purifiers indoors and wearing protective masks outdoors.