As the chill of winter settles over Delhi-NCR, residents are bracing for an extended period of dense fog. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, predicting heavy fog for the next four days. The region is grappling with reduced visibility, impacting daily life and transportation.
Impact of Dense Fog on Visibility and Transportation
The dense fog blanket has significantly reduced visibility across Delhi-NCR, creating challenging conditions for commuters. In several areas, visibility dropped to near-zero levels, causing vehicles to move at a snail’s pace. Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has also been affected, with several flights experiencing delays. This has compounded the woes of travelers already dealing with winter disruptions.
On the roads, drivers face hazardous conditions, navigating through thick fog with limited visibility. This has led to increased travel times and heightened the risk of accidents. Public transportation, including buses and metro services, has also seen disruptions.
Increased Chill Due to Rain and Fog
Adding to the biting cold, the region experienced a spell of rain that started late Wednesday night and continued into Thursday morning. This rainfall has exacerbated the winter chill, leaving residents shivering. According to the IMD, Delhi recorded an average of 3.9 mm of rainfall by 8:30 AM on Thursday, with the highest rainfall recorded at Palam, measuring 10.1 mm.
Other significant rainfall measurements include Ridge with 9.7 mm, Pusa with 8 mm, Aya Nagar with 5.5 mm, Mayur Vihar with 4.5 mm, and Lodi Road with 4.4 mm. These weather conditions have led to waterlogging in several areas, further inconveniencing commuters and pedestrians.
Temperature Fluctuations and Weather Forecast
The maximum temperature during this period was recorded at 19.6°C, while the minimum temperature stood at 10.3°C, which is 2.7 degrees above the seasonal average. The weather forecast predicts that these conditions will persist, with maximum and minimum temperatures expected to hover around 19°C and 8°C, respectively, over the coming days.
The IMD’s yellow alert warns of continued dense fog, particularly during the early mornings and evenings. Clear skies are expected during the daytime, but the fog is predicted to return by nightfall, maintaining the chilly conditions.
Morning Chill and Coldest Spots in Delhi-NCR
Thursday morning saw some of the coldest temperatures in the region, with Ridge recording the lowest temperature at 9.1°C. Other notable temperature readings include Palam at 9.5°C, Aya Nagar at 9.6°C, and Lodi Road at 10.4°C. Despite the sun making a brief appearance later in the day, the cold persisted, leaving residents bundled up.
