Delhi-NCR Weather Woes: Dense Fog Disrupts Flights and Trains, Rain Likely Today

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The cold wave continues to grip North India including Delhi and the adjoining NCR region. Adding to the biting chill residents of Delhi may face a "double attack" of weather with rain predicted in the coming days which is likely to intensify the cold further. On Friday, dense fog engulfed the capital for four hours with visibility dropping to zero at IGI Airport between 4:30 am and 8:30 am. Visibility at Safdarjung was recorded at a mere 50 meters significantly disrupting road, rail and air traffic. Approximately 150 flights were delayed at IGI Airport while over 33 trains departing from Delhi and more than 100 trains arriving were delayed.

Despite sunshine during the day, the cold persisted. The maximum temperature was recorded at 17.6°C, 1.4°C below normal while the minimum temperature stood at 6.0°C, 0.9°C below normal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light rain for Saturday and Sunday which is expected to lower temperatures further. Moderate to very dense fog is predicted on Saturday morning with similar conditions likely to persist into the evening and night.

A yellow alert has been issued for Saturday by the IMD. The pollution levels in Delhi remain concerning with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in 17 areas recorded as 'severe.' On Friday, Delhi’s overall AQI stood at 397 placing it in the 'very poor' category, signaling worsening air quality alongside the cold weather. Residents are advised to prepare for harsher conditions as rain and fog combine to exacerbate the winter chill.