Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) woke up to a blanket of dense fog on Wednesday, with visibility reduced to near zero in several areas, causing significant disruptions to flights and trains.
Approximately 198 flights were delayed, and 26 trains were running behind schedule due to reduced visibility.
The dense fog led to zero visibility in parts of Delhi-NCR, affecting both air and rail travel. Early morning commuters faced challenges navigating through the thick fog, leading to widespread delays.
The temperature in the capital dipped to 6°C early in the morning, further intensifying the cold wave gripping northern India.
Flights and trains impacted
Visibility at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi was recorded at a mere 100 metres at 6 am.
The airport announced that flights not equipped with CAT III technology, designed to handle low-visibility conditions, could face delays or cancellations.
Passengers have been advised to contact airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules.
Train services were also heavily impacted, with at least 26 trains delayed due to the dense fog conditions in Delhi and neighbouring states.
Delhi AQI
Delhi’s air quality remained in the 'very poor' category on Wednesday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 332.
The fog, combined with pollutants, exacerbated breathing conditions in the region, raising concerns about public health.
Rain likely today
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a cloudy day for Delhi-NCR with a likelihood of light rain by evening.
A fresh western disturbance is expected to bring isolated rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning to Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday and Thursday.
Apart from Delhi-NCR, dense fog engulfed parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, West Bengal, and Jharkhand, creating hazardous travel conditions across northern and eastern India. A yellow alert was issued earlier, cautioning residents of dense to moderate fog until midweek.
People are advised to exercise caution while commuting and stay updated with weather advisories.