On Saturday, Delhi was hit by dense fog that prevented vision for nine hours, the longest period of the season. As a result of the fog, the Delhi airport saw 19 flight diversions, numerous cancellations, and more than 400 flight delays. Four flights were international, two were non-scheduled, and thirteen were domestic out of the total diverted flights. Due to poor weather, more than 45 flights were cancelled in Delhi and at the airports of destination.
The heavy fog also slowed down traffic on major roads, with visibility on the Yamuna Expressway and Delhi-Noida Direct (DND) Flyway dropping to dangerous levels. The Delhi Traffic Police deployed personnel at key intersections to manage traffic and avoid mishaps.
Additionally, train services were disrupted, with Northern Railways reporting delays in over 100 trains. Passengers waiting at stations faced significant inconvenience as announcements of delays and rescheduling came in waves throughout the morning.
The dense fog, combined with high pollution levels, exacerbated health risks for residents. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi remained in the 'Severe' category, further deteriorating respiratory conditions for vulnerable groups.
Medical experts advised people to avoid outdoor activities during the peak hours of fog and wear N95 masks to minimize exposure to pollutants.
The IMD attributed the prolonged fog spell to a combination of factors, including low wind speed, high humidity, and a sharp dip in temperature. The minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 5°C, making it one of the coldest days of the season.
The IMD attributed the prolonged fog spell to a combination of factors, including low wind speed, high humidity, and a sharp dip in temperature. The minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 5°C, making it one of the coldest days of the season.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for the next 48 hours, warning of continued dense fog in the capital and adjoining areas. Slight improvement in visibility is expected as wind speeds pick up over the weekend.Travelers are advised to remain updated on weather conditions and plan accordingly.