A dense layer of fog has blanketed the national capital, causing disruptions in flight and train operations and inconveniencing passengers. At the Indira Gandhi International Airport, long queues formed at the gates amid intense fog, leading to delays in approximately 134 flights, including both domestic and international arrivals and departures. The Delhi airport reported 35 delayed international flight departures, 28 international arrivals, 43 domestic departures, and 28 domestic arrivals. Additionally, 22 trains at the New Delhi Railway Station experienced delays due to low visibility, impacting services like the Howrah New Delhi Rajdhani and Jammu Tawi Rajdhani.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier forecasted a low temperature of 7.8 degrees Celsius on Thursday, with a maximum of 22 degrees Celsius. An IMD dense fog alert for Delhi remains in effect until the morning of December 31, 2023. The weather office reported a significant drop in visibility at Delhi-Palam Airport from 100 meters to 50 meters on Wednesday evening.
Despite the cold weather, a group of bikers ventured out on Kartavya Path, emphasizing the importance of using fog lights for safety. Rehearsals for the Republic Day parade are ongoing at Delhi’s Kartavya Path, even in the midst of intense fog. In Ghaziabad, parents are requesting a revision of school timings due to the challenging weather conditions, expressing concerns about children facing health issues such as cough and cold.