Intense Cold Wave Freezes Delhi at 7°C; Dense Fog Delays Over 200 Flights

New Delhi :  An intense cold wave and dense fog have caused major disruptions across Northern India, particularly in Delhi, as temperatures plummeted to 7°C on Saturday. With zero visibility in several regions, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and parts of Delhi, travel and daily life have been severely impacted.

The cold wave’s effect on Delhi’s air traffic was especially severe, with flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport temporarily halted early in the morning due to thick fog. By midday, over 150 flights had been delayed, and around 30 cancellations were reported. IndiGo and Air India both warned passengers of delays and potential disruptions, with IndiGo suspending both arrivals and departures due to poor weather conditions.

#6ETravelAdvisory: Delhi continues to experience significantly reduced visibility due to fog, impacting flight schedules. (1/2)

The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) advised passengers to stay updated by checking directly with their airlines. As the fog persisted, over 200 flights were delayed, affecting travel for thousands of passengers.

The dense fog also severely affected train services, with many trains facing delays at New Delhi Railway Station. Similarly, road traffic in cities like Noida, Gurugram, and Karnal came to a near standstill as drivers struggled to navigate the dense fog. In Amritsar, traffic was severely impacted, with several accidents reported due to poor visibility.

In addition to the freezing temperatures, Delhi’s air quality has worsened to “very poor” levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has prompted the implementation of GRAP Stage III restrictions, which include measures such as halting construction activities and increasing the supply of oxygen in hospitals.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Delhi and nearby regions, warning of continued dense fog and severe cold. Delhi’s temperature dipped to a minimum of 7°C, while other parts of North India also reported a steep drop in temperatures.

In response to the extreme cold, schools in Noida were ordered to close for students up to class 8 on Friday, with authorities citing the safety of children during the ongoing cold wave.

The cold wave is not limited to Delhi. The Western Disturbance is expected to bring snow and rain to parts of Himachal Pradesh, including Chamba, Kangra, and Kinnaur, where a yellow alert for heavy snowfall has been issued. Kashmir is also bracing for snowfall, with local authorities advising against unnecessary travel.

The weather is also expected to affect Punjab, Bihar, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, with rain, thunderstorms, and lightning forecasted for the weekend.

Interestingly, the cold wave is now extending to Southern India, with Bengaluru expected to experience a sharp dip in temperatures, with the minimum forecast to drop to 10.2°C, significantly below its January average of 15.8°C. The unusual weather is being attributed to the ongoing cold wave in the north.

Authorities across India have urged the public to follow safety advisories, including staying indoors when possible, driving cautiously, and wearing warm clothing to protect against the extreme cold. With conditions expected to persist over the next few days, officials continue to monitor the situation and provide real-time updates.