A thick blanket of dense fog engulfed North India on Friday, throwing transportation networks into disarray and disrupting daily life. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport was particularly affected, with visibility plunging to zero and causing delays for 202 flights. Train services were equally impacted, with at least 24 departures running late due to the adverse weather conditions.
Delhi experienced its fifth consecutive cold day as temperatures continued to dip. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a maximum temperature of 16°C, three degrees below the seasonal norm, and a minimum of 7.6°C over the past 24 hours. On Friday morning, the mercury stood at 9.6°C, with forecasts predicting dense fog to persist until January 8. Light rainfall is also expected on January 6, offering some respite from the cold wave.
At 8 a.m., visibility at Palam Airport dropped to zero, while Safdarjung Airport reported 50 meters of visibility. Although these airports are not used for commercial flights, the conditions mirrored the challenges faced by the broader aviation sector. Airlines such as SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Air India reported delays and disruptions, with SpiceJet specifically noting difficulties on routes to and from Amritsar and Guwahati. IndiGo issued travel advisories for key routes connecting Delhi, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Guwahati, warning passengers to stay updated on flight schedules.
Train travel was equally chaotic, with significant delays affecting services. The Ayodhya Express was delayed by four hours, the Gorakhdham Express by over two hours, and the Bihar Kranti Express and Shram Shakti Express by more than three hours.
The fog wasn’t the only challenge. Delhi’s air quality remained in the “very poor” category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 309 at Lodhi Road. Health experts have advised residents to limit outdoor activities and use air purifiers indoors to mitigate the impact of poor air quality.
The IMD extended its dense fog warning to several regions, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Cities such as Amritsar, Lucknow, Bengaluru, and Guwahati are expected to face visibility issues through the day. Meanwhile, light snow and rain are anticipated in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, adding to the weather woes.
The cold wave prompted the Gautam Buddh Nagar administration to suspend classes for students up to Grade 8 until further notice. Friday’s low in the district was forecast at 8°C, with similar conditions expected over the weekend.
Experts note that a “cold day” is officially declared when the minimum temperature drops below 10°C, and the maximum temperature is at least 4.5°C below normal. With the ongoing chill and dense fog, North India continues to grapple with a harsh winter, leaving residents bracing for further disruptions in the days ahead.
