Delhi's morning fog causes major disruptions; Flights, trains delayed amid ongoing cold wave conditions

New Delhi: On Saturday morning, residents of Delhi experienced a thick blanket of fog, leading to significant disruptions in both flight and train operations. The persistent cold weather has resulted in low visibility conditions that have affected the daily commute for many. According to reports, several flights were delayed at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) due to the dense fog, which was anticipated by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Weather Forecast and Temperature Expectations

The IMD had issued warnings of "very dense fog" for the day, with temperatures recorded at around 11 degrees Celsius at 7:30 AM. The minimum temperature is expected to drop to 7 degrees Celsius, while the maximum could reach approximately 19 degrees Celsius. The weather department has indicated that these foggy conditions are likely to persist over the next three days, with potential rain or thunderstorms expected on January 22 and 23.

Impact on Transportation

The adverse weather conditions have not only delayed flights but also affected train schedules heading towards the national capital. Visibility issues have been a significant factor in these delays. As commuters navigate through this challenging weather, the impact on daily life is palpable.

Air Quality Update

In addition to the fog, there was a slight improvement in air quality on Friday following some rainfall, leading the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to lift certain restrictions under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). However, they cautioned that the air quality index (AQI) could remain in the lower end of the "Very Poor" category due to favorable meteorological conditions and strong winds.

Cold Wave Conditions Across North India

The cold wave has not only gripped Delhi but has also enveloped several states in North India. Areas in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh reported dense fog that severely impacted visibility. Visuals from Gwalior depicted near-zero visibility on roads, complicating travel for many residents. Meanwhile, higher elevations in Himachal Pradesh experienced light to moderate snowfall, with temperatures hovering between 1-5 degrees Celsius.

The IMD has issued warnings for continued cold wave conditions across various regions, including Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. They predict that dense fog will persist in these areas over the coming days, with no significant change in minimum temperatures expected for Northwest India within the next 48 hours.As Delhiites brace for another chilly day with limited visibility, authorities urge caution while traveling and remind residents of the ongoing weather advisories.