Dense fog blankets North India, flight operations hit in Delhi – Top weather update

Extremely dense fog enveloped parts of Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, and Bihar on Thursday amid ongoing cold wave conditions in the region, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported.

IMD report on weather

Dense fog lay over Madhya Pradesh and Tripura, while moderate fog hit the Jammu division.

Very dense fog over Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Bihar; dense fog over Madhya Pradesh and Tripura and moderate fog over Jammu Division (at 0530 hours IST): IMD

— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2024

Visibility dropped between 25-500 meters in different areas. In UP's Bareilly, Lucknow, Prayagraj and Varanasi it was 25-50 meters. Delhi's Safdarjung and Palam saw 500 and 700 meters.

Rajasthan's Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Kota and Jaipur recorded 25-50 meter visibility. Bihar's Gaya and Purnea logged 25 meters, and Patna 200 meters.

Flight operations hit amid dense fog

The dense winter fog disrupted flight operations at Delhi airport. Very dense fog means less than 50 meters of visibility.

#WATCH Delhi: Several flight operations were delayed at Delhi airport due to low visibility amid fog. pic.twitter.com/E8R0Gl8M2R

— ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2024

Similar conditions prevailed in UP’s Moradabad amid the cold wave. To protect students from harsh weather, schools have been shut for Classes 1-8 in Noida and Greater Noida till January 6.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Dense fog persists as coldwave conditions continue in Moradabad. pic.twitter.com/1GvafkKUGZ

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) January 4, 2024

Is temperature change expected?

The IMD forecast east India will see little temperature change over the next two days, followed by a 2-3°C rise.

Central India's minimums are likely to increase by 2-3°C over three days, with no significant change after that.

The persisting cold wave and dense fog continue to impact normal life, travel and health across north India.

#WATCH | As the temperature dips in Delhi, people seen sitting by the bonfire in a bid to keep themselves warm.

(Visuals from the Ashram area, shot at 1:00 am) pic.twitter.com/bLjacJvBzj

— ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2024

Citizens are advised to follow advisories and take precautions.