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Delhi woke up to a blanket of dense fog this morning, turning the city into a haze-filled labyrinth and causing widespread disruptions in transportation and daily life. Flights were delayed, over two dozen trains were affected, and visibility in some parts of the city dropped to near zero. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert, warning residents to brace for reduced visibility and the potential impacts of the severe weather conditions.
As winter tightens its grip on northern India, the dense fog has added another layer of challenges for commuters, travelers, and authorities alike. Let’s break down how this weather phenomenon has impacted the capital and its surrounding regions.
Foggy Morning Disrupts Delhi's Rhythm
Delhi's morning routine was severely disrupted as thick fog enveloped the city and its outskirts. The sudden dip in visibility levels left vehicles crawling on major roads, while airports and railway stations struggled to maintain schedules.
According to the IMD, visibility in Delhi dropped to as low as 50 meters in certain areas during the early hours, forcing drivers to rely on fog lights and exercise extreme caution. The dense fog created chaos for office-goers, school children, and daily commuters, as traffic congestion became the norm throughout the city.
IMD Issues Orange Alert: What Does It Mean?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Delhi and several neighboring regions, signaling weather conditions that could significantly disrupt daily life. An orange alert is one level below a red alert, urging citizens to stay prepared and exercise caution.
The IMD attributed the dense fog to a combination of falling temperatures, high humidity, and calm winds—a classic recipe for fog formation in northern India during winter. Officials have warned that the foggy conditions are expected to persist for the next 24-48 hours, with a gradual improvement in visibility as the day progresses.
Flight Operations Hit Hard
Fog-related disruptions were acutely felt at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), where flight schedules took a significant hit. Visibility on the runways dropped below the operational minimum, leading to delays and diversions of several domestic and international flights.
Passengers were seen stranded at terminals, with airlines issuing advisories about potential delays and cancellations. Flight information boards at IGIA displayed numerous delays, leaving travelers frustrated as they waited for updates.
Airport authorities activated low-visibility protocols to ensure passenger safety and smooth operations. Pilots relied on advanced navigation systems to operate under these challenging conditions, but many flights still faced unavoidable delays.
Train Schedules Go Off Track
The dense fog wreaked havoc on train schedules as well, with over two dozen trains running late due to poor visibility on railway tracks. The Indian Railways reported significant delays in long-distance trains arriving at and departing from Delhi.
Trains bound for northern and eastern India were the most affected, as fog-covered tracks forced drivers to reduce speeds, adding hours to travel time. Passengers faced long waits at crowded platforms, with announcements of delays coming in thick and fast.
Some notable trains delayed due to fog included:
- Rajdhani Express: Running behind schedule by several hours.
- Shatabdi Express: Witnessed significant delays across multiple routes.
- Mail and Express Trains: Widespread delays reported across northern rail networks.
The Indian Railways has urged passengers to check train schedules and status updates before heading to stations.
Road Traffic and Safety Concerns
The dense fog also impacted road traffic across Delhi and neighboring NCR areas. Reduced visibility led to a spike in traffic jams, especially on arterial roads and highways such as the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway and the Noida-Delhi Link Road.
Drivers struggled to navigate in near-zero visibility, with many relying heavily on fog lights and hazard indicators. Accidents and minor collisions were reported from various parts of the city, prompting traffic police to issue advisories urging motorists to drive cautiously and maintain safe distances.
Health Hazards of Dense Fog
While the immediate impact of dense fog is on visibility and transportation, it also poses health risks. The fog traps pollutants near the ground, exacerbating Delhi's already severe air quality issues.
As per air quality monitors, the Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the "very poor" category throughout the foggy morning, with particulate matter (PM2.5) levels peaking. Residents were advised to limit outdoor activities and use N95 masks to protect themselves from prolonged exposure to polluted air.
Why Does Delhi Experience Such Dense Fog?
Delhi and much of northern India experience dense fog during the winter months due to a unique combination of meteorological factors:
- Falling Temperatures: Cold air close to the ground condenses water vapor, forming fog.
- High Humidity: The winter air often contains enough moisture to sustain fog formation.
- Calm Winds: Lack of wind allows fog to settle and persist over large areas.
- Pollution Levels: Delhi’s high pollution levels contribute to smog, which often merges with fog to create a hazardous "smog-fog" phenomenon.
Expert Advice for Commuters and Travelers
With foggy conditions likely to persist, here are some tips to stay safe and prepared:
- For Drivers:
- Use fog lights and keep headlights on low beam.
- Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
- Avoid sudden braking to reduce collision risks.
- For Air Travelers:
- Check flight status updates regularly.
- Arrive at the airport early to account for potential delays.
- For Train Passengers:
- Confirm train schedules before heading to the station.
- Be prepared for delays and plan accordingly.
- For Pedestrians:
- Wear reflective clothing to increase visibility.
- Avoid busy roads with heavy traffic.
IMD’s Weather Outlook for the Coming Days
The IMD predicts that foggy conditions in Delhi and neighboring areas will persist over the next 24-48 hours, particularly during early mornings and late nights. A slight improvement in visibility is expected as the day progresses, but nights will continue to witness dense fog due to high humidity and stagnant air.
Temperatures are also expected to remain low, with minimum temperatures hovering between 4°C to 6°C, adding to the winter chill.
