Fog Causes Major Disruptions in Delhi; IMD Issues ‘Orange Alert’ for Heavy Snowfall in Jammu & Kashmir

Delhi witnessed an unprecedented nine-hour stretch of zero visibility on Saturday, marking the season’s longest duration of such conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted moderate to dense fog across the capital and a partly cloudy sky on Sunday.

At Indira Gandhi International Airport, heavy fog caused severe disruptions, including 19 flight diversions, multiple cancellations, and over 400 delays. Train services were also affected, with 81 trains running late on Saturday. The IMD forecasts smog and shallow fog in Delhi, with maximum and minimum temperatures hovering around 18°C and 10°C, respectively.

Snowfall and Rainfall Predicted in J&K and Northwest India

Jammu & Kashmir braces for widespread snowfall, with the IMD issuing an orange alert for heavy snow in isolated areas. A dense fog layer disrupted flights at Srinagar Airport on Saturday, though operations resumed later in the day. The weather department warned of possible disruptions to air and road transportation, particularly in higher altitudes.

A strong Western Disturbance is expected to impact the region from January 10-12, bringing light to moderate rainfall across Northwest India. Heavy snowfall is forecast in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Ladakh until January 6. Scattered rainfall and thunderstorms are also likely in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh over the weekend.

Authorities have urged residents in affected regions to remain cautious, limit travel, and prepare for potential disruptions in transportation and daily activities.