Delhi and its surrounding regions woke up to another day of severely disrupted visibility on Thursday, as a thick, persistent blanket of dense fog enveloped the national capital. The chilling conditions, accompanied by a biting cold wave, are predicted to hold the city in their grip until at least January 5, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Transport Chaos Grips the Capital
The immediate impact of the intense fog was felt most acutely by travelers. Flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport faced significant hurdles. Authorities reported that over 100 flights were delayed due to the poor visibility, while several others had to be cancelled, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated. The runway visual range (RVR) dropped dramatically, making it unsafe for aircraft to take off or land during the early morning hours.
Rail services were not spared either. Multiple trains arriving in Delhi, including key services like the Howrah-New Delhi Poorva Express and the Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express, were running late by several hours. The Northern Railway issued advisories, warning passengers of likely delays and cancellations as the fog continued to hamper movement.
IMD's Forecast and Warnings
The IMD has been closely monitoring the situation and has issued a clear forecast. The weather office stated that the prevailing cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are likely to continue over many parts of North India, including Delhi, for the next few days. The minimum temperature in the capital is expected to hover between 4 and 6 degrees Celsius, with the maximum struggling to reach around 18-19 degrees.
"Dense to very dense fog is very likely in the morning hours over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh during the next 2-3 days," an IMD bulletin highlighted. The combination of low temperatures and high moisture levels in the air is creating the perfect recipe for the persistent foggy conditions.
Life Grinds to a Slower Pace
Beyond transportation, the severe weather has impacted daily life across the city. Morning walkers and commuters faced significant difficulties navigating the roads, with visibility often reduced to less than 50 meters. The cold wave has also raised health concerns, particularly for the elderly, children, and the homeless population. Hospitals have reported a slight uptick in patients complaining of respiratory issues and cold-related ailments.
Local authorities have advised residents to take necessary precautions, including wearing warm clothing, avoiding early morning outdoor activities, and staying hydrated. The Delhi government's night shelters have extended their services to provide relief from the harsh cold to those in need.
As Delhiites brace for more days of shivering temperatures and obscured skies, all eyes are on the weather department for any signs of relief. For now, the message is clear: the cold wave and dense fog are set to be the defining features of Delhi's weather until the weekend.
