An intense cold wave persists across the northern plains this week, with dense fog engulfing the region and disrupting travel. On Tuesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that foggy, freezing conditions will likely continue over the next 2-3 days before gradually easing.What IMD said on cold wave conditions in North IndiaIn Delhi and North India, we are not expecting much change in the minimum temperature. Maybe a one-degree rise is likely because of the sunny skies, but foggy conditions will persist, said IMD scientist Soma Sen.Is Western disturbance responsible for current weather conditionsShe explained that the absence of strong western disturbances has limited moisture flow from the Arabian Sea, a key factor in northwestern winter weather. Very feeble western disturbances are moving...not widespread rainfall or snowfall activity, Sen noted.On Tuesday morning, dense to very dense fog blanketed Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, cold wave to severe cold wave conditions prevailed over most of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and other parts of north India.What was weather condition in Delhi on TuesdayIn the national capital, visibility dropped to dangerous levels below 50 meters in some areas. At least 30 flights departing Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport faced delays, while 17 were canceled due to poor visibility.Is thick fog affecting trains and flightsTrains and highways also experienced disruptions as visibility fell to zero meters in cities like Varanasi. Over 30 trains bound for Delhi were delayed.#WATCH | Delhi: Several flight operations delayed at IGI airport due to low visibility amid fog. pic.twitter.com/hG1DUKllEt— ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2024The intense cold has gripped much of the plains this week, with multiple cities recording sub-zero temperatures. Ludhiana in Punjab registered the lowest temperature across the region on Monday at 1 degree Celsius.Will foggy days continue in North IndiaIMD officials say relief from the freezing fog is still several days away. Dense winter fog is common in northern India, as moisture gets trapped near the ground by cooler temperatures.Be aware of smog: IMD expertHowever, the experts warn that worsening air pollution and emissions are exacerbating extreme weather events like intense fog. While fog cover usually reduces solar heating, the smog-infused haze absorbs more heat and escalates cold wave conditions.Residents are advised to take precautions against the cold and follow any travel advisories in the coming days. Although the harsh winter is expected to gradually ease, officials say north India must prepare for more extreme cold waves and fog in the future.
