Delhi Gripped by Dense Fog and Cold Wave
Visibility at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport dropped sharply to 50 meters early Thursday morning. The India Meteorological Department reported this severe reduction at 5:30 am as dense fog enveloped the capital.
Widespread Weather Disruption Across North India
Dense to very dense fog conditions will continue affecting isolated parts of Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi until Friday. These conditions primarily occur during early morning and night hours.
West Rajasthan will experience dense fog throughout Thursday. Similar weather patterns are expected over Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, East Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam and Meghalaya through Friday.
Temperature Plunge and Air Quality Concerns
Delhi's minimum temperature fell to 5 degrees Celsius on Thursday morning. The IMD predicts cold wave conditions will persist throughout the day across the capital.
Air quality remains a serious concern. Delhi recorded an average Air Quality Index of 354 at 2:30 am Thursday, placing it in the "very poor" category according to Air Quality Early Warning Systems data.
Cold Wave Extends Across Multiple States
Isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh will likely experience cold days on Thursday and Friday. Cold wave conditions will continue over Himachal, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand on Friday.
Odisha will face cold wave conditions until Saturday according to IMD forecasts.
Republic Day Preparations Continue Despite Weather
Security forces maintained Republic Day parade preparations at Kartavya Path despite challenging weather conditions. Rehearsals proceeded through foggy and chilly conditions as forces prepare for the upcoming national celebration.
The weather department emphasizes that these conditions require caution for travelers and residents across affected regions. Reduced visibility poses particular risks for road and air transportation during early morning hours.
