North India is currently experiencing a cold wave, with Jammu and Kashmir still under the grip of Chillai-Kalan, a 40-day extreme winter period that began on December 21. The cold wave continues to impact several parts of the region, including Delhi, where dense fog has led to travel disruptions and a fog advisory at the airport.
Delhi Airport Issues Fog Advisory
The Delhi airport has issued a fog advisory due to low visibility. Despite the dense fog, no flights were disrupted, providing relief to travelers during the busy holiday season. At 7 a.m., the visibility at Indira Gandhi International Airport was recorded at 500 meters. CAT III compliant flights, which are equipped to operate in poor visibility, were not affected.
IMD Forecasts Fog and Rain in Delhi-NCR
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast mild to dense fog in the Delhi-NCR region on December 26. Temperatures are expected to dip further from December 27, with colder weather expected to set in by December 29. Light rain is also predicted for Delhi later today, with thunderstorms and hailstorms expected across several northern states on December 27 and 28.
Train Delays Due to Dense Fog
In addition to airport disruptions, over 15 trains heading to Delhi have been delayed due to dense fog conditions. Notable trains, including the Duronto Express and Avadh Assam Express, are among those affected by the weather.
Freezing Temperatures in Jammu and Kashmir
In Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar recorded a low of minus 7.3°C on Christmas Day. This extreme cold is part of the ongoing Chillai-Kalan winter period, which typically brings harsh winter conditions to the region.
Air Quality and Weather Predictions
Delhi’s air quality remains in the ‘very poor’ category, and temperatures are expected to range between 9°C (minimum) and 20°C (maximum). The IMD has forecast light showers for the Delhi-NCR region later today, with thunderstorms, hailstorms, and rainfall expected across Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh on December 27 and 28.