Delhi's air quality stayed in the 'severe' range with a 24-hour AQI of 424 on Wednesday, slightly better than Tuesday's 460, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). A thick smog shrouded the city, while the temperature dropped to a season-low 11.2°C, a degree below normal. Meteorological experts noted shallow fog but improved dispersion. Northern Railways reported 13 train delays, while 37 flights were delayed, and 6 were canceled. If the AQI persists, this will be Delhi's 7th severe air day this winter. CPCB data shows 31 of 38 monitoring stations recorded 'severe' air quality levels.

Delhi's air pollution reached catastrophic levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting a severe-plus 484, the highest this year. Schools and offices were closed, heavy vehicles barred, and construction halted. The smog, attributed to stubble burning, vehicle emissions, and industrial pollution, affects over 30M residents, reducing life expectancy by seven years. Historian William Dalrymple called the situation "a choking death trap." Poor families, like Shagun Devi's, face dire health impacts without access to air purifiers. The Supreme Court declared clean air a fundamental right, urging urgent government action, though measures remain largely ineffective.

Large parts of the UK experienced heavy snow, causing school closures, travel disruptions, and warnings to check on vulnerable people. Met Office yellow alerts for snow and ice were issued for northern England, Scotland, the Midlands, and Wales. Over 130 schools were shut in Wales, while train services, including Northern Rail and East Midlands Railway, faced delays and cancellations. Roads like the A44 in Powys and A57 in Derbyshire were closed due to dangerous conditions. Scotland recorded -11.2°C, its coldest early winter temperature since 1998. Authorities urged drivers to reduce speed and carry snow kits for safety.

Parts of the UK are bracing for more snow and icy conditions after experiencing the coldest night of the season. Snowfall has already blanketed Scotland, Ingleborough mountain, and parts of Yorkshire. The Met Office has issued yellow severe weather warnings for snow and ice, affecting Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England, and Wales until Wednesday. Disruptive snow is expected to impact commuters, with delays likely on roads and railways. TransPennine Express and Northern Rail have warned passengers of possible travel disruptions, offering flexible ticket options. Forecasters call this the UK’s “first taste of winter” with up to 20 cm of snow predicted.

Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 500 on November 19, 2024, marking the worst pollution levels this season. The severe pollution led to schools and universities switching to online classes, with Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Noida halting in-person sessions. Dense fog and poor visibility caused delays and cancellations in over 30 trains and flights. The Union Health Ministry issued advisories urging strengthened health systems and climate action. The city continues to face stringent anti-pollution measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Delhi's air quality index (AQI) soared to 494 on Tuesday, with several monitoring stations hitting the 500-mark, categorizing the pollution as "severe plus." A thick smog engulfed the city, reducing visibility and heightening health concerns. GRAP-IV restrictions remain enforced, banning non-essential vehicles and halting public construction projects. The Supreme Court has urged Delhi-NCR states to consider halting physical classes. Schools and universities, including Delhi University and JNU, have shifted to online learning until later this week. Authorities advise residents to limit outdoor activities as particulate matter levels continue to worsen.

The UK faces harsh winter conditions as the Met Office forecasts up to 20cm of snow in affected areas. Amber cold health alerts, covering most of England, warn of significant risks to vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly. Temperatures plunged to -7.8°C in Scotland's Highlands, with yellow alerts for snow and ice impacting parts of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Experts predict widespread frosts, potential snowfall, and travel disruptions. "Prepare for colder-than-average temperatures and icy conditions," advised the Met Office, urging safety precautions for the week ahead.

The UK braces for Arctic weather with yellow warnings issued by the Met Office. Heavy snowfall up to 20 cm, ice, and freezing temperatures are expected from Monday night into Tuesday. Areas in Yorkshire, Wales, the East Midlands, and the north of England may face power cuts, travel disruptions, and rural communities being cut off. Meteorologist Tom Morgan warns of significant impacts, especially in the Pennine regions and Peak District. "Overnight frosts and winter showers will persist throughout the week," he added. Public transport delays, icy roads, and risks of slips and falls are anticipated across affected areas.

The Supreme Court has instructed Delhi-NCR states to establish teams to enforce Stage 4 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) immediately. The court emphasized that these measures should remain in place even if the Air Quality Index (AQI) drops below 450. Concerned about the delay in action, the court also urged states to consider halting physical classes for students up to Class 12 due to health risks. The Supreme Court also directed the Centre to improve satellite data for monitoring stubble burning, a key pollution source.

Delhi-NCR implemented GRAP Stage 4 anti-pollution measures on Monday after the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a "severe plus" level of 457. Restrictions include a ban on diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles (BS-IV or below), except those carrying essentials. Non-essential light commercial vehicles and trucks entering Delhi are prohibited unless running on LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electric power. Classes 6-9 and 11 move online, and NCR offices must operate at 50% capacity. Vehicles contribute 15.8% of pollution, while stubble burning accounted for 25% on Saturday. PM2.5 remains the primary pollutant, posing significant health risks.