- विज्ञापन -
New Delhi: Delhi is currently enduring a severe cold wave, with temperatures dropping to 9 degrees Celsius today. The situation is worsened by brisk winds blowing at 16 km/h, making it difficult for residents to keep warm.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for dense fog during the morning hours, indicating reduced visibility throughout the city. Smog and shallow fog are expected to persist into the evening and night, further degrading air quality and visibility.
The dense fog has significantly affected daily life in the capital, particularly for commuters. Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) have been severely disrupted, with delays for aircraft lacking advanced CAT III navigation systems.
While the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) assured travelers that some landings and takeoffs were ongoing, it warned that flights not equipped with CAT III technology could experience delays. DIAL advised passengers to check with their airlines for real-time updates on flight schedules.
Rail services have also been heavily impacted, with many trains at New Delhi Railway Station experiencing significant delays due to near-zero visibility. Road traffic in the city has been slow, as drivers navigate through the thick fog with caution, leading to congestion in several areas.
On Saturday, the city experienced unprecedented weather, with visibility dropping to zero for an extended nine-hour period, the longest such occurrence this winter. The IMD forecasts a maximum temperature of 18 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius for today, with partly cloudy skies expected later in the day.
Looking ahead, meteorologists predict a fresh Western Disturbance between January 10 and 12, which could bring light rainfall to northwest India, including Delhi. This potential rain may help alleviate some smog but is unlikely to significantly raise temperatures.
As Delhi contends with these harsh weather conditions, residents are urged to stay warm and exercise caution while traveling, especially during the early morning and late evening hours when fog and cold are most intense.
