The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi due to dense fog, which has significantly reduced visibility across the city and disrupted flight schedules. Authorities have urged travelers to recheck their flight statuses before heading to the airport and to allow extra time for their commute.
According to the IMD, Delhi is expected to experience moderate fog in most areas, with dense fog in isolated pockets. Winds are likely to remain light, reaching speeds of up to 15 km/h. The temperature is forecasted to range between 8°C and 17°C.
The IMD has also predicted above-normal temperatures for Delhi and its neighboring regions throughout January, with no likelihood of cold wave conditions. During a monthly weather outlook conference, the Director General of Meteorology, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, stated that while the first week of January will remain relatively colder, temperatures are expected to rise as the month progresses.
Delhi’s primary weather station at Safdarjung recorded a minimum temperature of 7.4°C on Wednesday, slightly above the normal range. This was a slight drop from the previous day’s minimum temperature of 9.2°C. The city experienced north-westerly winds reaching speeds of 12 km/h during the afternoon and evening. Despite this, Delhi officially recorded a ‘cold day’ as the minimum temperature fell below 10.1°C, and the maximum temperature deviated by more than 4.5°C from the normal levels.
The dense fog has not only disrupted air traffic but has also caused delays on major highways, with commuters reporting longer travel times. Experts have advised caution while driving, particularly during early mornings and late evenings when visibility is at its lowest.
Residents are advised to stay updated with weather forecasts and take necessary precautions to navigate the challenging conditions safely.
