Dense Fog Disrupts Flights and Trains in North India; Cold Day Warning Issued

New Delhi : The national capital and adjoining states, including Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, grappled with dense fog that severely impacted visibility levels, dropping to less than 50 meters in certain areas. Consequently, as many as 80 flights faced delays on Saturday at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, as confirmed by airport authorities. The persisting foggy conditions have not only disrupted flight schedules but also resulted in delays for several trains, inconveniencing passengers across various routes.

Train Schedules Disrupted

Expressing concerns over the ongoing delays, a passenger intending to travel to Mata Vaishno Devi from the New Delhi Railway Station shared, “Our train was scheduled to depart at 5:30 AM, but it has been delayed by more than two hours.” Although there have been multiple flight delays, reports have not indicated any cancellations thus far, leaving passengers hopeful yet inconvenienced.

Meteorological Warnings: Cold Day Alert

Adding to the challenges posed by the dense fog, the Meteorological Department issued a cold day warning for December 31 across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Rajasthan. The warning indicates that these regions will continue to experience cold and foggy conditions, intensifying as per forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Meteorological Department Issues Warning

The IMD further elaborated that the prevailing cold conditions are expected to intensify from January 5, 2024, onwards, with no immediate relief in sight until at least January 11. Additionally, weather forecasts predict light rain and snowfall in the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand within the next 24 hours, adding another layer of complexity to the prevailing weather conditions.

Impact on Daily Life and Commuting

The dense fog enveloping North India has significantly disrupted normal life and commuting patterns, with reduced visibility posing challenges for motorists and pedestrians alike. As the cold wave persists and intensifies in the coming days, residents are advised to exercise caution and monitor weather updates to navigate the challenging conditions safely.