A thick blanket of fog has enveloped large parts of northern India, causing widespread disruption to transportation. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that visibility dropped to zero at multiple locations, including Palam and Safdarjung in Delhi, as well as Amritsar, Agra, Hindon, Chandigarh, and Gwalior.
Air Travel Affected
IndiGo announced a temporary suspension of arrivals and departures at Delhi Airport due to poor visibility. Air India also informed passengers that dense fog was affecting operations across northern India. At Guwahati Airport, low visibility led to the cancellation of 14 flights and delays for 30 others.
Impact on Railways
Several trains were delayed at New Delhi Railway Station as the dense fog added to the ongoing cold wave, further complicating travel plans for passengers.
Road Traffic Disruptions
In Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, traffic moved at a sluggish pace as commuters navigated through near-zero visibility. Videos and images from these areas showed vehicles inching forward cautiously on fog-covered roads.
Regional Weather Updates
Chandigarh: Visibility dropped to zero, accompanied by a significant dip in temperature.
Hapur, Uttar Pradesh: The city experienced dense fog, hampering early-morning activities.
Cuttack, Odisha: Thick fog also blanketed this region, impacting normal life.
Forecast for Jammu and Kashmir
The IMD has predicted heavy snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir over the weekend, with the most intense snow expected from Saturday night through Monday morning. Light to moderate rainfall is also likely in nearby plains.
Advisory for Passengers
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has urged travelers to stay in touch with their respective airlines for updated flight schedules. “Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted,” the statement read.
As cold waves persist, authorities are advising people to exercise caution while traveling and to plan ahead to mitigate delays caused by the extreme weather conditions.