Delhi and its neighboring areas, including Noida and Ghaziabad, continued to experience dense fog on Saturday, significantly reducing visibility and disrupting transportation. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain and thunderstorms for the region over the weekend, adding to the weather-related challenges.
Flight and Train Delays Amid Fog
The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi issued multiple advisories throughout the night on Friday, urging passengers to confirm their flight statuses with airlines. While low visibility procedures were implemented, flight operations remained largely unaffected. However, over 100 flights and 45 trains experienced delays due to poor visibility.
According to the IMD, Safdarjung in Delhi recorded a minimum visibility of 50 meters from 12:30 am to 1:30 am on Saturday, which later improved to 200 meters by 7:30 am. The minimum temperature was reported at 7.7°C, considered normal for the season.
Rain and Thunderstorms Forecast
The IMD predicted cloudy skies with light rain and thunderstorms over the weekend, accompanied by dense fog in some areas during the mornings. On Friday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 17.6°C, a notch below normal, and a minimum of 6°C, slightly lower than the seasonal average.
Air Quality Worsens
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi deteriorated further, reaching a “severe” level early Friday morning with readings exceeding 400. By 4 pm, the AQI slightly improved to 397, categorized as “very poor,” according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Commission for Air Quality Management reimposed stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), enforcing stricter anti-pollution measures to combat the rising pollution levels.
Fog Affects North India
Thick fog extended across parts of Punjab and Haryana, including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Chandigarh, Ambala, Hisar, and Karnal. Visibility dropped to zero in several areas, causing disruptions.
Accidents Due to Low Visibility
The foggy conditions led to multiple accidents on Friday, including a seven-vehicle collision on a Delhi highway near Babugarh in Hapur, where three people sustained injuries. In another incident in Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur, the driver and conductor of a UPSRTC bus were killed after their vehicle collided with a truck in an overtaking attempt amidst the dense fog.
Weather Advisory
Residents are advised to exercise caution while traveling during foggy conditions and stay updated on weather forecasts. With rain and thunderstorms expected, commuters should prepare for potential disruptions.
Sources By Agencies
