Delhi-NCR: Severe fog blanketed Delhi and surrounding regions early Tuesday morning, drastically reducing visibility and causing significant disruption to transportation. The dense fog, with visibility dropping to near zero in many areas, paralyzed road, rail, and air traffic, sending ripples across North India.
Transport Disruptions
Road traffic slowed to a crawl as vehicles moved cautiously amid the blinding fog. Major expressways, including the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway and the Yamuna Expressway, reported heavy congestion and minor collisions. Commuters faced long delays, with many opting to stay off the roads.
Rail services were equally affected, with over 30 trains running late due to the foggy conditions. Northern Railway officials confirmed that several long-distance trains were delayed by up to five hours. Additionally, departures from key railway stations, including New Delhi and Anand Vihar, were delayed, leaving passengers stranded in cold weather.
Air travel also bore the brunt of the weather. More than 15 flights were delayed, while several were diverted to nearby airports due to poor visibility. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport issued an advisory, urging passengers to check flight statuses before leaving for the airport.
Meteorological Conditions
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning for dense to very dense fog over Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Rajasthan. According to IMD, a combination of low wind speeds, high humidity, and plummeting temperatures has created favorable conditions for fog formation. The minimum temperature in Delhi dropped to 5°C, further worsening the situation.
The IMD has forecast similar conditions for the next 48 hours, urging caution for travelers and commuters. “The visibility may improve slightly during the daytime, but dense fog will likely persist in the early mornings and late evenings,” said an IMD official.
Impact on Daily Life
Schools in several parts of the region announced delayed opening hours to ensure the safety of students. Business operations, especially logistics and courier services, reported disruptions, while local authorities deployed additional traffic police to manage congestion and ensure safety on the roads.
Farmers, however, welcomed the weather, as the fog provides much-needed moisture to winter crops like wheat and mustard. Despite the travel chaos, agricultural experts highlighted that such weather is beneficial for rabi crops during this time of the year.
Health Advisory
Medical professionals have issued warnings regarding the potential health impacts of prolonged exposure to cold and fog. People with respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable, as dense fog often traps pollutants, worsening air quality. The public has been advised to wear warm clothing and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, especially during early morning and late evening hours.
With no immediate respite in sight, North India, especially Delhi-NCR, is bracing for continued foggy conditions. Authorities have advised caution, urging residents to plan their travel accordingly and stay updated on weather forecasts.
