A thick blanket of dense fog engulfed the national capital on the morning of Wednesday, December 31, 2025, drastically reducing visibility and disrupting early morning movement across New Delhi. The intense winter conditions shrouded buildings, roads, and public spaces, creating a hazy and subdued atmosphere in the city.
City Grinds to a Halt Under Foggy Shroud
The fog, which settled over large parts of the city, significantly obscured urban landmarks and roadside infrastructure. Commuters were forced to navigate cautiously through the fog-covered streets, with traffic moving slowly under challenging visibility conditions. Pedestrians emerged as mere silhouettes through the dense haze in public spaces, while the morning light struggled to penetrate the thick layer, leaving residential and commercial neighbourhoods with muted visibility for hours.
The persistent foggy conditions are typical for the capital during the peak winter season, reflecting the prevailing weather patterns. The cold and hazy atmosphere lasted through the morning hours, with signs of gradual improvement only as the day progressed, though the characteristic winter chill continued to prevail.
Flight Operations in Jeopardy at IGI Airport
The most significant impact of the severe weather was felt in the aviation sector. The dense fog cover has once again thrown flight operations in northern India into jeopardy. Authorities at the Delhi Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport issued warnings to passengers about likely cancellations and extensive delays for both inbound and outbound flights. This recurring winter phenomenon continues to test the airport's preparedness and disrupt travel plans, especially during the busy year-end period.
Weather Outlook for New Year's Day
As the city prepares to ring in the new year, the weather office has forecast a change in conditions. For New Year's Day, January 1, 2026, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a generally cloudy sky over the national capital with the possibility of light rain. This forecast suggests a shift from the dense fog but indicates that the winter weather will continue to influence the first day of the new year.
The combination of fog, cold, and anticipated rain underscores the challenging winter conditions faced by Delhi's residents and infrastructure, impacting daily life, transportation, and celebrations as the year turns.
