Northwesterly wind clears fog, but chill to persist in north India | Latest News Delhi - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Northwesterly wind clears fog, but chill to persist in north India

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Jan 08, 2018 08:28 PM IST

It was clear weather over much of the north Indian plains on Monday after fog had engulfed the region over the past week.

After a spell of chill and fog, the weather finally cleared over north India raising hopes of air pollution levels coming down this week.

Despite clear weather, weather forecasters say the cold spell across north India will continue.(HT PHOTO)
Despite clear weather, weather forecasters say the cold spell across north India will continue.(HT PHOTO)

The fog formation was brought on by low wind speeds and high moisture content in the atmosphere. On Monday wind speeds picked up and moisture content fell across north India.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Fog conditions in Delhi had already improved last week owing to higher wind speeds. And now with a western disturbance system moving away, fog also lessened in Punjab, Haryana and parts of the northern region.

A western disturbance is a system of low pressure that moves from the west to the east, bringing moisture from Eurasian water bodies, and is responsible for winter rain in northwestern India and snowfall in the Himalayan tracts in this region.

With its influence diminished, cold dry northwesterly winds have started blowing into the region which is expected to curb air pollution.

Read more: All schools told to stay closed till Jan 14 as cold tightens grip on Gurgaon

“The faster wind speed of about 15-20 km/ hr does not allow fog to settle and also prevent pollutants from settling near the surface, leading to lower air pollution levels,” Mahesh Palawat, chief meteorologist at Skymet Weather, a private weather forecasting agency, said.

“We will continue to have clear skies for the next 2-3 days,” D Saha, head of the air quality lab at the Central Pollution Control Board, said.

A thin layer of fog that dissipates quickly allows more sunshine to seep through bringing up maximum temperatures marginally.

However, the cold spell is far from over. Maximum temperatures in Delhi NCR are expected to be around 21 degrees C Monday, owing to the sunshine. However, with stronger winds the temperatures experienced will be closer to 16-17 degrees C due to the wind chill factor.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Malavika Vyawahare tells science and environment stories using words, photos and multimedia. She studied environmental journalism at Columbia University and is based in Delhi.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On