National capital shivers as temperature dips, IMD issues warning of thunderstorms and hail later in the day.
New Delhi, January 12: A thick layer of fog blanketed New Delhi on Sunday, as the city grappled with a cold spell. The minimum temperature dropped to 12 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
IMD has also forecast a wet spell later in the day, with expectations of thunderstorms and hailstorms, adding to the ongoing chilly conditions.
Low Visibility and Night Shelters
Iconic landmarks like India Gate were shrouded in dense fog, with near-zero visibility reported in many areas. The harsh weather has led many to seek refuge in night shelters across the city.
Vegpal Singh, managing a night shelter in Safdarjung, highlighted the efforts being made to support those in need:
“The people who are taking refuge in the night shelters here are being provided with two meals a day, proper beds, and blankets. If anyone requires medical treatment, we take them to AIIMS hospital nearby,” he said.
Regional Impact and Challenges
The cold spell has also gripped nearby regions like Kanpur and Gwalior, which reported similar dense fog conditions.
In Kanpur, groups of locals, including the elderly, were seen gathering around bonfires to keep warm. Raj Kumar, an auto driver, shared his concerns:
“We face problems getting to work because it is so cold. Bonfires should at least be placed at the roundabouts.”
His colleague, Sunil Kumar Gupta, expressed frustration at the lack of administrative intervention:
“There are a lot of problems due to the cold, but the administration is not paying heed. It is still cold out there. What can we do about it? We are helpless.”
Transportation Updates
Despite the foggy conditions, no flight diversions or cancellations were reported at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. However, several trains were delayed due to low visibility, impacting passenger schedules.
Temperature Trends
On January 11, light rainfall caused temperatures to dip further, with the city recording a low of 7.7 degrees Celsius, according to IMD. Saturday morning also saw a temperature of 11 degrees Celsius, with the weather remaining cold and damp.