Dense Fog and Cold Wave Disrupt Travel in Delhi-NCR: Flight Delays and Road Hazards

Dense Fog Disrupts Delhi-NCR, Causes Flight Delays and Road Hazards of Delhi-NCR, reducing visibility to near zero early on Wednesday and causing significant disruptions to travel. The phenomenon follows an orange alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which warned of dense to very dense fog in the capital and surrounding areas. The fog, which is expected to persist throughout the week, has severely impacted both road and air traffic, making travel hazardous and delaying flights at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.

The IMD issued an orange alert for Delhi on Wednesday morning, cautioning residents and travellers about the dense fog. According to the IMD, visibility in several parts of Delhi, including Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi Railway Station, Shankar Vihar, and areas bordering Uttar Pradesh, was reported to be extremely low. These areas, along with other parts of Delhi NCR, saw poor visibility, making it challenging for motorists, pedestrians, and public transport services to navigate the streets safely. The IMD has predicted that the foggy conditions will continue in isolated areas throughout the week, urging people to exercise caution during travel. The dense fog also contributes to a drop in temperatures across the region, as Delhi grapples with a cold wave sweeping through northern India.

In addition to the visibility challenges on the roads, air travel has been severely impacted. As of 4:35 am on Wednesday, the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) issued a travel advisory warning passengers about potential delays in flight operations. The advisory stated that while flights will continue to take off and land, those not equipped with Category III (CAT III) instrument landing systems may experience delays due to the low visibility caused by the fog. Flight tracking platform Flightradar24 reported that around 75 flights were delayed, affecting both arrivals and departures. Passengers were urged to contact their respective airlines to receive updated information on flight timings. This disruption highlights the ongoing challenges posed by the weather conditions at one of the country’s busiest airports, where visibility is crucial for smooth operations, particularly during low-visibility events like fog.

The dense fog has also wreaked havoc on road traffic, with several accidents reported on key highways and streets in Delhi-NCR. With visibility drastically reduced, it has become increasingly difficult for drivers to safely navigate roads. Areas like the Delhi-Noida-Direct (DND) flyway, Ring Road, and Outer Ring Road saw slow-moving traffic, and travel times were significantly extended. Public transport services, including buses and metro services, have also been affected by the weather conditions. The Delhi Traffic Police have issued advisories, urging motorists to drive cautiously, maintain a safe distance, and use fog lights where possible. The fog is expected to persist for the next few days, and authorities are on high alert to manage the traffic disruptions.

The dense fog is a consequence of the ongoing cold wave affecting northern India. On Wednesday, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 8°C, and the maximum temperature is expected to reach only 18°C. This cold wave, along with the fog, has led to a significant drop in temperature across Delhi-NCR, making travel even more challenging for residents. With foggy conditions and the cold wave expected to last throughout the week, residents are being advised to stay updated on weather forecasts and transportation advisories. Delhiites are also being urged to dress warmly and take necessary precautions while venturing outdoors.

Given the persistent fog and cold wave, the Delhi Police and local authorities have ramped up efforts to ensure public safety. They have deployed additional patrols to assist with traffic management, particularly on major roads prone to accidents due to the low visibility. In addition, hospitals and emergency services are on high alert to handle any health issues arising from the cold weather, such as respiratory problems or hypothermia. Motorists are being reminded to reduce speed and avoid sudden lane changes, while pedestrians are advised to wear reflective clothing to make themselves more visible in the dense fog. Moreover, commuters are encouraged to rely on public transportation systems, such as the Delhi Metro, which has continued to operate without major disruptions, as an alternative to road travel. As dense fog continues to disrupt daily life in Delhi-NCR, residents and travellers are facing significant challenges. With the ongoing cold wave sweeping through northern India, the situation is expected to persist throughout the week. Authorities, including the IMD and IGI Airport, have issued advisories to keep the public informed about potential delays and safety measures. For those travelling, it is crucial to stay updated on the latest weather reports and to exercise caution while commuting.