Large swathes of Northern India remained under the grip of a severe cold wave and dense fog on Monday, December 22, 2025. The combination of plummeting temperatures and high pollution levels has disrupted flight operations, train schedules, and daily commutes from Srinagar to Lucknow.
Delhi-NCR: A Dual Battle with Fog and Smog
The national capital continues to struggle with a “toxic cocktail” of weather and pollution.
- Visibility Crisis: Thick haze at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and major highways like NH-24 reduced visibility to less than 50 meters in the early hours.
- Air Quality: The AQI hovered around 363 (Very Poor), prompting authorities to maintain GRAP Stage 4 restrictions, which include bans on non-essential construction and the entry of non-BS6 diesel trucks.
- Commuter Alert: Authorities have urged motorists to use fog lights and avoid high speeds on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and Peripheral Expressways.
Kashmir: ‘Chillai-Kalan’ Takes Hold
The Valley officially entered its harshest 40-day winter period, known as Chillai-Kalan, on December 21.
- Temperature Anomalies: While Srinagar’s night temperature was unusually high at 4.0°C (6.4 degrees above normal), the daytime maximum struggled at 6.0°C, making the air feel biting cold.
- Sub-Zero Zones: Gulmarg remains the coldest spot in the region at -2.4°C.
- Forecast: The Met Department has predicted moderate snowfall for higher reaches and light rain in the plains over the next 12 to 24 hours, which may further dip temperatures.
Regional Impact: UP, Haryana, and Rajasthan
The fog blanket extended far beyond the capital, creating hazardous driving conditions across the heartland.
| State | Affected Cities | Impact |
| Uttar Pradesh | Ayodhya, Varanasi, Moradabad, Lucknow | Severe traffic slowdowns; “Very Dense” fog reported in Ayodhya. |
| Rajasthan | Jaipur, Dausa | Flight operations hit at Jaipur International Airport due to low visibility. |
| Haryana | Karnal, Ambala | Significant disruptions to road traffic on the NH-44 (GT Road). |
Safety Advisory for Commuters
With the IMD issuing a “Yellow Alert” for Punjab, Haryana, and West UP for the next 48 hours, travelers are advised:
- Check Flight/Train Status: Heavy fog is likely to cause delays for late-morning departures.
- Drive Cautiously: Use low-beam headlights and maintain a significant distance from the vehicle ahead.
- Stay Warm: Infants and the elderly are advised to limit outdoor exposure during peak fog hours (4:00 AM – 9:00 AM).