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As the cold wave tightens its grip on North India, Delhi wakes up shrouded in a dense fog, setting a somber tone across the capital. The mercury is expected to take another dip starting December 27, making the air even chillier by December 29. This forecast comes from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which has also predicted mild to dense fog across the Delhi-NCR region on December 26, according to PTI, citing top weather experts.
Despite the foggy conditions, Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport remained operational, with an official advisory confirming that flight schedules were uninterrupted thanks to the airport's CAT III compliance. This system allows flights to land safely even under reduced visibility, which was recorded at 500 meters at 7 am. This development is a sigh of relief for travelers during the bustling holiday season, ensuring their plans remain unaffected.
Meanwhile, the cold's impact was not just felt in Delhi but extended to Jammu and Kashmir, where Srinagar saw temperatures plummet to minus 7.3 degrees Celsius on Christmas Day. This severe cold has not only affected daily life but also the operation of trains, with 18 trains, including the Duronto Express and Avadh Assam Express, arriving late in Delhi due to the dense fog.
Weather Warnings and Air Quality Concerns
In addition to the cold and fog, the IMD has warned of impending light showers in the Delhi-NCR area, which could evolve into rainfall with thunderstorms on December 27 and 28. This weather pattern is not limited to Delhi, as Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh are also bracing for thunderstorms and hailstorms during the same period.
Delhi's struggle with pollution continues, as the air quality remains in the 'very poor' category. The city's temperatures are hovering between a low of 9 degrees Celsius and a high of 20 degrees Celsius, contributing to the challenging living conditions for its residents.
Travel and Daily Life Disruptions
The intense cold wave, coupled with the dense fog, has caused significant disruptions not only in air travel but also in the railway sector, impacting the schedules of many trains heading to the capital. This weather phenomenon underscores the broader effects of severe winter conditions on transportation and daily activities in North India.
As the region grapples with these harsh winter conditions, the forecasted weather changes suggest that residents and travelers alike should prepare for colder days ahead. With the IMD's predictions and the ongoing challenges posed by the fog and cold wave, it's clear that the winter season is making its presence felt strongly across North India.
