Dense Fog Covers Delhi-NCR; IMD Forecasts Light Rain and Temperature Decline

New Delhi, Jan 11 (NationPress) A heavy fog has blanketed Delhi-NCR on Saturday morning, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) anticipating cloudy skies and light rain in the area.

The chilly weather is likely to linger, providing no immediate respite from the dense fog and cold waves.

The IMD has predicted cloudy conditions with light rain or drizzle during the morning hours of January 11 and 12. Over the last 24 hours, the city has seen a significant decline in temperature, with readings plummeting to as low as 1 degree Celsius. Maximum and minimum temperatures were noted between 18-22 degrees Celsius and 6-8 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Although the fog is forecasted to gradually lift as the day advances, light rain could extend its effects. The minimum temperature in the capital is expected to further decrease to approximately 5 degrees Celsius in the upcoming days.

Visibility in Safdarjung initially fell to 50 meters at 1:30 am but improved to 200 meters later on. In Palam, visibility dropped to zero for three hours until 2 am, with easterly winds blowing at 6-8 km/h.

Conditions began to improve gradually, reaching 500 meters by 7 am as winds changed to the east-southeast at speeds of 15-18 km/h.

The Indira Gandhi International Airport issued a notice at 6 am, indicating that flights lacking CAT III compliance might face disruptions due to low visibility. However, flight operations were reported to be running smoothly, with low visibility procedures in effect.

In another development, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reinstated Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Thursday due to a decline in air quality. This decision follows the lifting of restrictions that were previously enacted due to improving weather.

Residents of Delhi-NCR should prepare for ongoing cold and foggy conditions as temperatures continue to fall and visibility remains compromised.