Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport faced disruptions on Saturday as a thick layer of fog blanketed the national capital, severely impacting visibility. According to Delhi Airport’s Flight Information Display System, 11 international flights and 5 domestic flights to and from the airport were delayed.
While the fog caused inconvenience for air travelers, there is currently no official confirmation from the Ministry of Railways regarding any train delays due to the weather conditions.
The India Meteorological Department reported a minimum temperature of 14°C at Palam and 12.2°C at Safdarjung, indicating a tightening grip of the winter chill in Delhi. As the cold weather persisted, residents were seen huddling around bonfires to stay warm.
In response to the biting cold, many sought refuge at night shelters, with individuals spotted under heavy blankets and quilts in areas such as Lodhi Road. At the night shelter near AIIMS, people gathered to escape the extreme cold.
Local residents expressed the challenges of navigating through the frigid conditions, with some highlighting the impact of fog and pollution on daily commuting and morning walks. A resident mentioned, “It’s getting tougher for us to take morning strolls as the cold is extreme. The fog and pollution are further compounding the woes of regular commuters and morning walkers.”
The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi, according to SAFAR-India, was recorded in the ‘Very Poor’ range at 8:07 am on Saturday. The deteriorating air quality added to the concerns of residents already grappling with the harsh winter weather.
In a broader weather update, the national weather forecasting agency indicated that the minimum temperature across North India is expected to increase by 2-3 degrees Celsius over the next three days.
As Delhi residents brace for the winter chill and its associated challenges, authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and travelers are advised to check for updates on flight and train schedules due to the prevailing weather conditions.
