A dense blanket of fog has engulfed the national capital and several other major cities across India, marking a freezing start to the New Year. With the cold wave continuing unabated, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported visibility at Delhi’s airports dropping to zero on Thursday, a grim indicator of the persisting weather conditions.
Similar disruptions were noted in cities like Gwalior, Agra, Amritsar, and Pathankot, where dense fog severely hampered visibility. The IMD also highlighted widespread fog and low clouds across northwest, central, east, and northeast India, with some patches stretching into coastal Andhra Pradesh.
In Delhi, Thursday’s minimum temperature was recorded at 8°C, while the maximum hovered around 17°C. The capital’s air quality also remained a concern, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) measured at 278 at 8 a.m., categorizing it as ‘poor.’ For context, AQI levels below 50 are considered ‘good,’ while anything above 200 indicates worsening air quality.
As temperatures continue to plummet, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has set up 235 pagoda tents across the city to provide relief to the homeless. Night shelters in areas like AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and Nizamuddin flyover are serving as temporary refuges for those braving the harsh winter nights. Meanwhile, locals have been seen gathering around bonfires to combat the biting cold.
The relentless cold wave has also disrupted travel plans. Indigo Airlines issued a travel advisory for Srinagar, where snowfall has significantly impacted flight schedules. “We wish the snowfall could take a brief pause, allowing us to ensure smooth travels for you once again. Stay warm and stay informed,” the airline said.
Earlier this week, Delhi experienced its third consecutive day of cold weather, with a maximum temperature of 15°C and a minimum of 7.4°C.
(Inputs from ANI)