Indo-Gangetic Plains, A vast expanse of dense fog enveloped the entire Indo-Gangetic plains from Pakistan in the west to the Bay of Bengal in the east on Sunday morning, causing disruptions to air travel and contributing to cold wave conditions. Satellite images provided by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) highlighted the extensive fog cover.
The weather phenomenon was attributed to a passing western disturbance, leading to moisture incursion. The prevailing cool conditions and calm winds created ideal circumstances for the development of dense fog. Senior scientist DS Pai from the IMD stated that the fog layer might persist unless an active western disturbance arrives. Another western disturbance is anticipated around January 16 and 17, offering potential relief.
In Delhi, dense fog persisted for more than seven hours between 3 am and 10:30 am, resulting in the diversion of 20 flights at the Indira Gandhi International airport and over 400 flight delays. The fog coincided with the season’s coldest minimum temperature of 3.5°C. However, the capital experienced a few hours of sunshine, reaching a maximum temperature of 20.6°C, slightly above the normal mark.
Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions gripped many places in Punjab and Haryana. Cold wave conditions affected parts of Delhi and isolated areas of west Uttar Pradesh. Dense to very dense fog was reported in various parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi.
The IMD classifies fog severity based on visibility: “shallow” (500-1,000m), “moderate” (200-500m), “dense” (50-200m), and “very dense” (below 50m). Dense to very dense fog, along with cold days and nights, is expected to persist in northwest India, including Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana, for at least three more days.
Isolated pockets of Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand may experience dense to very dense fog until January 16. Cold day to severe cold day conditions are likely to continue in parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh until January 16, extending to isolated pockets until January 17, according to the IMD.
Cold wave conditions are anticipated in isolated pockets of Uttar Pradesh and north Rajasthan on January 14 and 15. Ground frost conditions are also likely over northwest India on January 14 and 15.
While the Indo-Gangetic plains grapple with dense fog and cold wave conditions, the northeast monsoon rains have ceased over several regions in peninsular India, marking a shift in the weather pattern.
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