Dense fog enveloped Delhi and parts of North India on Sunday morning, disrupting flight and train services across the region.
The Indian Railways reported delays in 25 trains headed to Delhi due to the heavy fog. Among the affected trains were:
- Purushottam Superfast Express
- Farakka Express
- Anvt Humsafar
- S Kranti Superfast Express
At Indira Gandhi International Airport, several flights experienced delays as the dense fog reduced visibility.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a minimum temperature of 12°C in Delhi. The city also experienced poor air quality, with the AQI reported at 284 by the Central Pollution Control Board, indicating unhealthy conditions.
IMD has forecast a wet spell for Delhi, with thunderstorms and hail expected later in the day.
Near-zero visibility was observed at landmarks like India Gate, while residents sought refuge in night shelters to escape the cold.
Vegpal Singh, a local, noted that night shelters in Safdarjung are providing two meals a day, along with proper bedding and blankets. “If any medical treatment is needed, we take them to AIIMS hospital, which is nearby,” he added.
The cold wave has gripped several parts of North India:
- Jodhpur, Rajasthan: The city was blanketed in fog during the morning hours.
- Agra, Uttar Pradesh: The Taj Mahal appeared shrouded in a thin layer of fog.
- Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh: Elderly residents were seen gathered around bonfires to keep warm. Raj Kumar, an auto driver, stated, “It’s tough to work in this cold. Bonfires should be placed at roundabouts.”
- Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir: Winter’s chill intensified as the cold wave persisted.
- Chandigarh: The city experienced light rainfall.
- Mumbai: Surprisingly, a dense layer of fog was also reported.
On January 11, Delhi experienced light rain, with the temperature dropping to 7.7°C, according to IMD.
The ongoing cold spell and dense fog continue to disrupt daily life and transport across the region, underscoring the impact of winter’s harsh grip on North India.