Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Delhi and surrounding areas remained enveloped in a dense layer of fog on Saturday, disrupting over 220 flights and significantly affecting road traffic. The Indira Gandhi International Airport reported delays due to reduced runway visibility as North India continued to grapple with a severe cold wave.
Weather Warnings and Forecast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms and rain in Delhi, predicting a further dip in temperatures by three degrees. The sky is expected to remain cloudy throughout the day.
While Delhi’s minimum temperature recorded a slight increase to 11°C on Friday morning, attributed to an active western disturbance, the cold spell persists across northern states.
Widespread Fog and Visibility Issues
Dense fog affected several North Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh. Satellite images revealed a thick fog cover and cloud movement towards Delhi, with rainfall anticipated in regions like Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram later in the day.
Airports in Varanasi, Lucknow, Agra, Patna, and Bareilly reported zero visibility, leading to disrupted services. At Kolkata’s Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, 19 flights were delayed.
Impact on Air and Rail Traffic
On Friday, over 250 flights were delayed at Delhi airport, and 26 trains ran late across the northern region. Road travel was also affected, with a seven-vehicle collision on a highway in Uttar Pradesh’s Hapur, injuring three people.
Current Weather Trends and Precautions
The IMD forecast indicates showers will continue in Delhi-NCR, contributing to increased chill in the region. Travelers are advised to plan their journeys cautiously, considering the weather-related disruptions.
