Dense Fog Persists in Delhi-NCR, Disrupting Travel Plans

A thick and persistent layer of fog has descended upon the national capital and its surrounding areas, causing significant disruptions in daily life and travel. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of ‘very dense fog’ conditions for the next two days, i.e., December 28 and December 29. This meteorological phenomenon has led to reduced visibility on roads, creating challenges for commuters and impacting various modes of transportation.

Details of Dense Fog Conditions:

As Delhi woke up to a shroud of thick fog on Thursday morning, the IMD highlighted the likelihood of ‘dense to very dense fog’ in many parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh-Delhi, and some parts of Uttar Pradesh. The reduced visibility poses a safety concern for commuters, leading to cautionary measures and potential disruptions in air and rail travel.

Weather Department’s Forecast:

Despite the dense fog, the weather department has indicated that Delhi is not expected to experience a cold wave in the remaining days of the month. The minimum temperature is forecasted to hover around 6 to 8 degrees Celsius until December 31. A meteorological official emphasized that the dense fog is preventing a sharp fall in the minimum temperature, making cold-wave conditions unlikely for the next few days.

Temperature Overview:

The IMD’s latest bulletin provides insights into the minimum temperatures across several regions. Temperatures range between 7-10 degrees Celsius over most parts of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. In contrast, temperatures are slightly higher, ranging between 11-12 degrees Celsius, over most parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, and interior Odisha. The IMD notes that these temperatures are 2-3 degrees Celsius above normal in certain regions.

Flight Disruptions:

The dense fog has taken a toll on air travel, with at least nine flights being diverted at the Delhi airport on Wednesday due to poor visibility. Three flights operated by SpiceJet and one by Air India were diverted to Jaipur between 0900 and 1200 hrs. Later in the evening, Vistara reported the diversion of five of its flights from Patna, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Guwahati, and Chennai to the Delhi airport. Three flights were redirected to Indore, while one each was diverted to Mumbai and Jaipur.

FAQs: (Frequently asked Questions) 

1. What is causing the dense fog in Delhi and its neighboring regions?
   The dense fog is a meteorological phenomenon currently affecting Delhi and its surrounding areas, as indicated by the India Meteorological Department.

2. How long is the IMD forecasting ‘very dense fog’ conditions in Delhi?
   The IMD has predicted ‘very dense fog’ conditions for the next two days, namely December 28 and December 29.

3. What impact is the dense fog having on travel in Delhi?
   Reduced visibility due to dense fog has led to disruptions in various modes of transportation, particularly air travel, with multiple flights being diverted.

4. Is Delhi expected to experience a cold wave in the coming days?
   The weather department suggests that Delhi is unlikely to witness a cold wave in the remaining days of December, with minimum temperatures staying around 6 to 8 degrees Celsius.

5. How are temperatures varying across different regions as per the IMD bulletin?
   The minimum temperatures range between 7-10 degrees Celsius over certain regions, including Delhi, and 11-12 degrees Celsius over other areas, with temperatures slightly above normal.

6. How is the dense fog impacting flight operations at the Delhi airport?
   Poor visibility caused by dense fog has led to at least nine flights being diverted at the Delhi airport, with disruptions reported by various airlines.

7. What precautionary measures are being recommended for commuters during the dense fog conditions?
   Commuters are advised to exercise caution and take necessary safety measures, including using headlights, reducing speed, and allowing for increased travel time.

8. Are there any specific regions outside Delhi facing severe fog conditions?
   According to the IMD, ‘dense to very dense fog’ conditions are likely in many parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh-Delhi, and some parts of Uttar Pradesh.

9. How are airlines coping with the flight diversions due to dense fog?
   Airlines, such as Vistara, have reported flight diversions and rearrangements in response to poor visibility, affecting several routes.

10. Is there a likelihood of improvement in visibility and weather conditions in the coming days?
    While the dense fog conditions are expected to persist for the next two days, regular updates from the IMD and other weather authorities should provide insights into any potential improvements in visibility and weather conditions.

Also read: DELHI NCR GRAPPLES WITH NEAR-ZERO VISIBILITY