Heavy Fog and Rain Disrupt Delhi-NCR; 29 Trains Delayed
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On January 16, Delhi-NCR faced heavy fog and light rain, causing disruptions in transportation, including 29 train delays. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for persistent fog and rain throughout the day, worsening the ongoing cold wave.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi-NCR experiences dense fog and light rain.
- 29 trains delayed and multiple flights affected.
- IMD issues a yellow alert for ongoing weather conditions.
- Temperatures between 10°C and 17°C expected.
- Stage-IV air quality measures implemented in the NCR.
New Delhi, Jan 16 (NationPress) Residents of Delhi-NCR experienced thick fog and light rain on Thursday morning, leading to significant transportation delays, including 29 trains and multiple flights. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘yellow’ alert, indicating that dense fog and light rainfall will persist throughout the day.
The prevailing weather is expected to increase the chill, with temperatures ranging from a low of 10 degrees Celsius to a high of 17 degrees Celsius. The fog is likely to linger into Friday morning, causing ongoing visibility challenges.
Residents should brace for poor visibility in the morning, evening, and nighttime hours. The IMD has additionally forecasted light rain on Thursday, which could intensify the current cold wave affecting Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and nearby areas.
In light of the cold conditions, schools in Delhi will resume on Thursday; however, due to the harsh weather, the administration has opted for a hybrid class format.
The ongoing cold wave has led authorities to implement further measures for air quality management. On Wednesday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage-III ('Severe') and Stage-IV ('Severe') air quality measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These measures are now operational across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) due to worsening air quality.
Previously, the CAQM had lifted Stage-3 restrictions on January 12 after the air quality index (AQI) improved due to rain. Stage-IV measures ban all construction activities, restrict the entry of non-essential polluting trucks into Delhi, and require the transition of school classes, except for grades 10 and 12, to a hybrid format.
Non-essential diesel trucks are barred from entering Delhi, and BS-IV and older diesel-run heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi are also prohibited, except for essential services, under Stage IV.
As Delhi faces both extreme cold and pollution, the IMD's weather updates and the CAQM's advisories will significantly influence the city's operations in the coming days. Citizens are urged to take precautions against the cold, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours.
