Delhi: Extreme Cold And Dense Fog Wreak Havoc, Delaying Flights And Trains

(CTN News)  – On the morning of December 27th, a thick blanket of fog shrouded various regions of northern India, extending its reach to the national capital, New Delhi.

The atmospheric conditions led to a significant reduction in visibility, plummeting to a mere 50 meters, causing disruptions in the normal flow of traffic within the city.

In response to the severe weather conditions, the meteorological office issued a red alert, highlighting the presence of “very dense fog” that had enveloped the national capital.

This atmospheric phenomenon occurred concurrently with an intense cold wave, amplifying the challenges faced by residents and commuters alike.

The adverse impact on visibility and transportation underscores the need for caution and preparedness during such weather events. As the dense fog persisted, it contributed to an environment where navigating through the city became increasingly challenging.

Authorities and individuals were urged to exercise heightened vigilance and adhere to safety guidelines to mitigate the potential risks associated with the weather conditions.

The issuance of a red alert serves as a crucial warning, prompting residents to take necessary precautions and adapt their daily routines to the prevailing atmospheric challenges.

The convergence of very dense fog and a cold wave creates a scenario that demands collective efforts in managing both immediate disruptions and potential health risks posed by the weather.

According to predictions from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), regions including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh are expected to experience “dense to very dense fog conditions.”

Many cities in northern India, including the national capital, woke up to foggy weather, leading to significantly reduced visibility. In Patiala, Lucknow, and Prayagraj, visibility dropped to 25 meters, while Amritsar experienced zero visibility.

In the national capital, the Palam Observatory near the Indira Gandhi International Airport recorded a visibility of 125 meters, which further decreased to just 50 meters at the Safdarjung Observatory.

However, commuters reported even lower visibility in various parts of the city. Despite weeks of good air quality, the air quality in the city also witnessed a sharp decline.

Air Quality in Delhi Deteriorates to “Very Poor” Levels with AQI at 381

The average air quality in the national capital has declined to 381, falling into the “very poor” category on the Air Quality Index (AQI). The minimum temperature dropped to 7 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature reached 24 degrees Celsius.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) air bulletin, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 441, and Lodhi Road in central Delhi registered an AQI of 327. At the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, the air quality stood at 368.

Additionally, Ghaziabad and Noida reported AQI values of 336 and 363, respectively. The forecast suggests that the air quality is likely to deteriorate further in the coming week.

Delhi Airport Issues Advisory as Dense Fog Disrupts Flights with Over 110 Affected

The Delhi airport has assured that the landing and take-offs of flights are operating as usual, but a cautionary advisory has been issued to travelers due to potential delays.

The dense fog at the Delhi airport has impacted nearly 110 flights, according to the Delhi Airport FIDS (Flight Information Display System).

On Tuesday (Dec 26), more than 30 flights faced delays attributed to the foggy conditions at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The weather office defines very dense fog when visibility is between 0 and 50 meters, dense fog between 51 and 200 meters, moderate fog between 201 and 500 meters, and shallow fog between 501 and 1,000 meters.