A biting cold wave tightened its grip over North India on Friday, blanketing regions including Delhi and its neighbouring areas under a dense fog cover that severely hampered visibility and disrupted routine life.
Delhi witnessed its fifth consecutive day of extreme cold, with the maximum temperature dropping significantly. A dense fog reduced general visibility at the Delhi airport to 50 metres, while runway visibility fell to zero around 7 a.m., causing concerns about flight operations.
“While landings and take-offs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant (low-visibility landing feature) may get affected. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information,” airport authorities said in an advisory.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange warning for the national capital, cautioning against "dense to very dense fog." Friday’s forecast also included a partly cloudy sky.
Schools in Noida were ordered closed for students up to Class 8 until further notice due to the prevailing cold wave. Patna, Bihar’s capital, along with other parts of the state, reported minimum temperatures ranging between 6-11 degrees Celsius. Authorities revised school timings, with classes now operating from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until 6 January.
States like Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh were similarly affected. Rajasthan’s Sikar district recorded the lowest temperature, with Fatehpur dipping to 3.6 degrees Celsius in the last 24 hours.
The intense cold and poor visibility disrupted road traffic in Delhi and adjoining regions, with commuters struggling to navigate the fog-laden streets.
Follow us
