Delhi woke up to a thick blanket of fog on Thursday morning, bringing temperatures down significantly and reducing visibility across the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert, warning residents of disruptions to travel and daily activities.
Flight Schedules Thrown Into Disarray
The dense fog had an immediate impact on air travel. Several flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport were delayed, while others faced diversions or cancellations. Visibility dropped to levels that made safe takeoffs and landings challenging, leaving passengers stranded or scrambling to reschedule their plans.
Airport authorities worked to manage the chaos by deploying additional staff to assist passengers and issuing regular updates. However, the combination of limited visibility and high passenger volumes due to holiday travel compounded the difficulties.
Key Flight Disruptions:
- Delays: Multiple flights delayed by over two hours.
- Cancellations: Some domestic flights canceled due to prolonged visibility issues.
- Diverted Flights: International flights rerouted to nearby cities like Jaipur and Chandigarh.
Passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport and allow extra time for security checks due to increased congestion.
Roads and Railways Also Affected
It wasn’t just the skies that bore the brunt of the fog. Ground travel saw its fair share of challenges too.
The reduced visibility slowed down vehicles on major roadways, leading to traffic jams and increased accident risks. Emergency services reported a spike in minor road mishaps early in the day. Rail services weren’t spared either, with several trains running behind schedule.
One commuter shared their ordeal, saying, “It’s chaos on the roads. You can barely see the vehicle in front of you.”
Weather Data and IMD Advisory
According to the IMD, visibility levels plummeted to as low as 50 meters in parts of the city during the early hours. Surface winds reached speeds of up to 15 km/h, offering minimal relief by dispersing some of the fog.
The IMD’s yellow alert advises residents to:
- Limit outdoor travel during peak fog hours.
- Use low-beam headlights while driving to avoid glare.
- Stay updated on weather forecasts and advisories.
How Long Will It Last?
Meteorologists predict that the foggy conditions will persist through the morning, gradually lifting as the day progresses. However, similar weather patterns are expected over the next few days, with cold waves likely adding to the city’s woes.
Delhi residents should brace for chilly mornings and possible travel disruptions until the weather clears up completely.
