The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant warning for residents across northern India, forecasting dense fog and severe cold wave conditions over the next 48 hours. The advisory covers a wide swathe including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and East Uttar Pradesh.
Widespread Fog Disrupts Life and Travel
On Tuesday, January 6, the fog is expected to intensify and spread to several other regions. The Met department has specifically predicted dense fog over Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, West Uttar Pradesh, and North-eastern India. Visual evidence from Tuesday morning showed Jaipur, famously known as the Pink City, completely engulfed in a thick blanket of fog. Visibility on the outskirts plummeted to as low as 50 metres, causing significant disruptions to road and rail transport.
The severe weather is also impacting religious tourism. In Katra, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi shrine, devotees are braving the biting cold. Pilgrims were seen huddling around bonfires for warmth before continuing their arduous uphill journey, showcasing their determination amidst the harsh winter conditions.
Flight Schedules Hit by Low Visibility
The aviation sector is facing direct consequences of the foggy conditions. The nation's leading carrier, IndiGo, has proactively issued a travel advisory for its passengers. The airline warned that low visibility and fog over Bhopal and Udaipur are likely to impact flight schedules. They have urged all travelers to check their flight status via the official website or mobile application before heading to the airport.
IndiGo's statement emphasized that teams are monitoring the weather closely and are committed to assisting passengers. "We are doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly," the advisory read, while also requesting patience and understanding from flyers during this period of operational challenge.
Delhi's Air Quality Remains a Persistent Concern
Compounding the visibility issues, the air quality in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) continues to be a major health concern. On Tuesday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded hovering close to 300 in the national capital, firmly placing it in the 'Poor' category. Visuals from areas like Akshardham confirmed the hazy, polluted conditions.
A recent analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) provides critical insight into the sources of this pollution. The non-profit's findings reveal that in 2025, a substantial 65% of Delhi's air pollution originated from sources outside the city. These external sources are largely situated in other NCR districts and neighbouring states, with local sources contributing only 35%.
Experts point out a grim statistic: despite some minor improvements in average PM2.5 and PM10 levels year-on-year, Delhi did not witness a single day with 'Good' air quality throughout the entirety of 2025. The analysis underscores that Delhi's geographical vulnerability, where northerly and north-westerly winds carry polluted air into the region, necessitates a coordinated, airshed-level approach to pollution control. City-specific measures alone are deemed insufficient to tackle this trans-boundary environmental challenge.
