Dense Fog Disrupts Delhi’s Air, Road, and Rail Traffic as Temperature Drops to 6°C

Heavy fog engulfed Delhi on Wednesday morning, causing significant disruptions to air, road, and rail traffic as visibility dropped to near zero in some areas. The national capital experienced a sharp drop in temperature, reaching a chilly 6°C at 8:30 AM, according to the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Safdarjung observatory. This weather pattern, marked by dense fog and an overall dip in temperature, is part of the ongoing cold wave affecting Delhi and its surrounding areas.

The situation in Delhi was compounded by deteriorating air quality, which reached the “very poor” category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 356 recorded at 9 AM. This marked a sharp decline from the AQI of 275 (considered “poor”) measured the previous day at 4 PM. The dense fog combined with low wind speeds led to a sudden drop in air quality, making it hazardous for residents and travelers. The IMD has issued an ‘Orange’ alert for the city, urging caution and advising people to take necessary precautions, particularly while driving in such dense fog.

Transportation across the city was heavily impacted. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport reported delays, particularly for flights that were not equipped to handle low-visibility conditions. The airport warned that CAT III non-compliant flights, which are not designed to operate in such poor visibility, could experience significant delays. At least seven flights were canceled, and more than 180 flights were delayed as a result of the fog. Despite these disruptions, all four runways at the airport remained operational, but the visibility at the airport’s runways fluctuated between 75 and 300 meters, causing significant delays.

In addition to air travel, the dense fog also affected rail operations. A total of 26 trains bound for Delhi were running behind schedule, some by as much as several hours. Major delays were reported for trains such as the Bihar S Kranti (12565), which was delayed by 285 minutes, and the Shr Ram Shakti Exp (12561), delayed by 290 minutes. Other trains, including the Gorakhdham Exp (12555) and NDLS Humsafer (12275), faced delays of over 250 minutes. These disruptions are common during the winter months when heavy fog and cold waves frequently lead to reduced visibility and hazardous conditions on the tracks.

The fog also severely impacted road traffic, with reduced visibility making driving dangerous. The IMD issued a warning for people to drive cautiously and avoid unnecessary travel, especially in the early hours of the morning when the fog was at its thickest. Visibility in areas like Safdarjung and Palam had fallen to between zero and 100 meters by 8:30 AM, further aggravating the situation.

In addition to the disruptions in transportation, the cold weather is also affecting the homeless population in the city. With the drop in temperature, many have sought refuge in night shelters to escape the harsh winter chill. The IMD has predicted that the cold weather will persist, with the possibility of sporadic rain showers intensifying the chill across Delhi and neighboring regions like Noida and Gurugram.

Delhi Weather

The ongoing fog and cold conditions are a reminder of the severe winter weather that Delhi often experiences in January, and the disruptions caused by such weather events highlight the need for better preparedness, especially in terms of transportation infrastructure and air quality management. As the city continues to grapple with these conditions, both residents and authorities must remain vigilant to minimize the risks associated with such extreme weather events.

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