Delhi Endures Harsh Cold Wave; Dense Fog Disrupts Flights and Train Operations
Click to start listening
New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) Delhi is currently undergoing a harsh cold wave, with temperatures dropping to 9 degrees Celsius on Sunday. The chill is further aggravated by brisk winds blowing at 16 km/h, making it difficult for residents to stay warm.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for dense fog during the morning hours, indicating reduced visibility across the city. Smog and shallow fog are predicted to persist into the evening and night, adversely impacting air quality and visibility.
This dense fog has disrupted daily activities in the national capital, particularly impacting commuters. Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) have been severely affected, with delays reported for aircraft lacking advanced CAT III navigation systems.
While Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has assured travelers that landings and takeoffs are continuing, it warned that non-CAT III-compliant flights could experience delays. DIAL recommended that passengers remain in contact with their airlines for real-time flight schedule updates.
Rail services have also been significantly disrupted. At New Delhi Railway Station, numerous trains faced major delays due to near-zero visibility. Meanwhile, road traffic throughout the city was slow-moving, as drivers cautiously navigated the hazardous foggy conditions. Motorists were forced to move through the thick fog with heightened caution, leading to inevitable congestion in various parts of the capital.
The city experienced record-breaking weather conditions on Saturday, with visibility dropping to zero for an extended period of nine hours, marking the longest stretch of such dense fog this winter season. The IMD forecasts a maximum temperature of 18 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius for Sunday, with partly cloudy skies anticipated during the afternoon and evening.
Looking forward, meteorologists predict a fresh Western Disturbance between January 10 and 12, which could bring light rainfall to northwest India, including Delhi. This potential precipitation may provide some relief from the ongoing smog but is unlikely to significantly increase temperatures.
As Delhi confronts this severe weather, residents are advised to stay warm and exercise caution when traveling, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours when fog and cold conditions are most intense.
