Delhi residents woke up to an exceptionally cold morning as the capital recorded a minimum temperature of 10.4 degrees Celsius on Saturday, accompanied by dense fog that severely disrupted air and rail travel across the region.
Weather Conditions Worsen
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the mercury dropped to 10.4 degrees Celsius, which is two notches below the seasonal average. The maximum temperature settled at 24.2 degrees Celsius, also below normal by one notch. The combination of low temperatures and reduced visibility created challenging conditions for commuters and residents alike.
According to weather officials, the relative humidity fluctuated between 100% and 58% throughout the day, contributing to the persistent foggy conditions. The IMD has predicted similar weather patterns to continue over the coming days, with shallow to moderate fog expected in the morning hours.
Travel Chaos Ensues
The dense fog had a significant impact on transportation networks, particularly affecting flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. Approximately 30 flights experienced delays due to the poor visibility conditions, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and frustrated.
Rail services also suffered substantial disruptions, with at least 22 trains arriving late in the national capital. The Northern Railway authorities reported that the foggy conditions necessitated speed restrictions on several routes as a safety precaution, further compounding the delays.
Regional Weather Patterns
Other parts of North India experienced similar weather conditions, with several cities reporting temperatures below normal levels. The IMD has indicated that the cold wave conditions are likely to persist, though there might be slight improvement in visibility as the day progresses.
Meteorological experts attribute this weather pattern to western disturbances and the typical winter conditions that grip North India during this season. Residents have been advised to take necessary precautions, especially during early morning and late evening hours when temperatures are at their lowest.
The weather department continues to monitor the situation closely and has issued alerts for early morning fog in the coming days, suggesting that commuters should check their flight and train status before traveling and allow extra time for their journeys.
