New Delhi [India], January 5: A thick fog enveloped Delhi on Sunday morning, causing significant disruptions to both flight and train services across the national capital. The dense fog also brought cold waves and a drop in temperature.
At Indira Gandhi International Airport, several flights were delayed due to the foggy conditions. The airport issued an advisory stating, “While landings and take-offs continue, flights that are not CAT III compliant may be affected. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for updated information. We regret any inconvenience caused.”
According to the India Meteorological Department, the temperature in Delhi was recorded at 10 degrees Celsius at 5:30 AM, slightly lower than the previous day’s 10.2 degrees Celsius.
Train services at New Delhi Railway Station also faced delays due to the fog, further adding to the morning commute challenges.
The air quality in Delhi remained in the “very poor” category, with the AQI recorded at 377 at 6 AM, slightly improving from yesterday’s 385. An AQI level between 301 and 400 is considered “very poor,” while levels above 400 are classified as “severe.”
As the cold weather persisted, many homeless people sought shelter at night shelters across the city. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) had set up 235 pagoda tents in various areas, including AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and Nizamuddin Flyover, to provide relief to those in need.
Residents were also seen huddling around bonfires to combat the chilly conditions.
Similar weather patterns were observed in other North Indian states, with dense fog and cold waves affecting cities such as Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), which recorded 11 degrees Celsius at 5:30 AM, and Jammu and Kashmir’s capital, Srinagar, where the temperature was -1 degree Celsius at the same time. Chandigarh recorded 9.1 degrees Celsius.