New Delhi continues to grapple with an intense cold wave as temperatures plummeted to 5.4 degrees Celsius this morning, causing disruptions in road, rail, and air traffic due to dense fog. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported zero visibility at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) due to “very dense fog conditions,” leading to delays in train schedules and advisories for air travelers.
According to the railways, 23 Delhi-bound trains faced delays ranging from one to six hours, affecting commuters in Delhi and various states. The dense fog created challenging conditions for drivers, and visibility issues prompted authorities to implement “Low Visibility Procedures” at the Delhi Airport.
While the CAT III (Category III) instrument landing system enabled flights to operate in low visibility, authorities urged passengers to check with their respective airlines for updated flight information before heading to the airport. Despite the adverse weather conditions, flight operations remained relatively normal, with no major disruptions reported.
The thick fog that enveloped Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) showcased the severity of the cold wave, affecting daily activities and transport services. The CAT III compliance played a crucial role in ensuring continued flight operations during the foggy weather, but non-compliant flights faced potential disruptions.
Thursday brought some relief as the sun penetrated the thinned layer of fog, offering a brief respite from the severe cold. However, chilly winds persisted, maintaining the overall cold day to severe cold day conditions that have prevailed over northern India since December 30-31.
A “cold day” is classified when the minimum temperature is less than or equal to 10 degrees Celsius, and the maximum temperature is at least 4.5 notches below normal. On the other hand, a “severe cold day” occurs when the maximum temperature is at least 6.5 notches below normal.
As the cold wave tightens its grip, residents and travelers in Delhi-NCR are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and exercise caution while commuting, given the potential for further disruptions in the coming days.
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