Delhi Wakes Up to Thick Fog Blanket
Delhi residents faced a challenging Saturday morning as a dense fog enveloped the national capital. Visibility dropped dramatically in several areas, with some parts recording near-zero conditions. Early morning visuals captured vehicles moving slowly on roads, struggling through the thick haze.
Airport Operations Under Low-Visibility Procedures
Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport responded quickly to the weather conditions. Airport authorities implemented low-visibility procedures to maintain safety. They recorded general visibility at less than 350 meters at the airport.
The airport issued hourly updates throughout the morning. Officials urged passengers to contact their airlines directly for the latest flight information. Despite the challenging conditions, airport authorities confirmed that flight operations continued normally.
Airlines Issue Travel Advisories
Major airlines responded proactively to the weather disruption. IndiGo issued a specific travel advisory warning passengers about potential flight schedule impacts. The airline cited dense fog and low visibility over Chandigarh and Amritsar as primary concerns.
"We are closely monitoring the weather situation," IndiGo stated in their advisory. "Our teams are working to ensure safe and smooth travel for all passengers."
The airline encouraged travelers to check their flight status through official channels. They recommended using airline websites and mobile applications for real-time updates.
Current Weather Conditions and Forecast
The India Meteorological Department provided detailed information about current and expected conditions. Delhi recorded a temperature of 6.2 degrees Celsius at 5:30 AM on Saturday. Air quality remained concerning, with the Air Quality Index reaching 450 at 8 AM, placing it in the 'very poor' category.
Meteorologists predict the fog will persist into the coming week. Here's what residents can expect:
January 18 Forecast
- Partly cloudy skies with shallow to moderate morning fog
- Maximum temperature: 21-23°C
- Minimum temperature: 7-9°C
- Light southeast winds increasing to 12 kmph in afternoon
January 19 Forecast
- Partly cloudy skies with shallow to moderate morning fog
- Maximum temperature: 22-24°C
- Minimum temperature: 8-10°C
- Light northeasterly winds strengthening slightly in afternoon
The IMD noted that maximum temperatures will remain 1.6 to 3.0 degrees Celsius above normal levels. Both minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to stay above seasonal averages.
Travel Precautions and Recommendations
Travelers planning journeys through affected regions should take several precautions:
- Check flight status directly with airlines before heading to airports
- Allow extra travel time for road journeys
- Use vehicle fog lights when driving in low-visibility conditions
- Monitor official weather updates regularly
- Keep emergency contact information readily available
Airline representatives emphasized their commitment to passenger safety. "We look forward to clearer skies and a swift return to our regular schedule," IndiGo added in their statement. "We appreciate passenger patience during these challenging conditions."
The weather situation continues to develop, with authorities monitoring conditions closely. Residents and travelers should remain vigilant and follow official advisories as the fog persists across northern India.
