New Delhi – The national capital has been placed under red alert as Delhi dense fog conditions have significantly reduced visibility across multiple areas of the city. The meteorological phenomenon has created hazardous conditions for commuters, with thick fog enveloping roads, residential neighborhoods, and major highways throughout the region. Social media platforms have been flooded with visuals showing the extent of the Delhi dense fog crisis, demonstrating how severely it has impacted daily life and transportation in the capital.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi dense fog conditions are expected to persist during night hours and early morning periods. The weather bureau has warned residents and travelers about the challenging visibility conditions that are likely to continue over the coming days. Areas like Saket have been particularly affected, with the Delhi dense fog making commuting extremely difficult for residents and creating dangerous driving conditions on major thoroughfares.
Massive Flight Disruptions at IGI Airport
The Delhi dense fog situation has caused unprecedented disruptions at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, one of the busiest aviation hubs in South Asia. On Monday morning, the zero-visibility conditions resulted in at least 128 flight cancellations, while eight flights had to be diverted to alternative airports. The scale of these disruptions highlights the severity of the Delhi dense fog crisis and its impact on air travel connectivity across the country and internationally.
Airport authorities have implemented low-visibility procedures to manage operations safely during the Delhi dense fog conditions. The implementation of CAT III (Category III) operations demonstrates the critical nature of the situation, as this protocol is reserved for the most challenging visibility conditions. CAT III allows aircraft to land in extremely low visibility, but not all aircraft are equipped for such operations, leading to inevitable cancellations and delays.
Official Airport Advisory for Passengers
In response to the Delhi dense fog emergency, IGI Airport has issued a comprehensive advisory for travelers. The official statement acknowledges that flight operations are currently functioning under CAT III conditions, which has resulted in widespread flight disruptions affecting thousands of passengers. Airport officials have emphasized that ground staff are working closely with all stakeholders to provide assistance and necessary support across all terminals.
The Delhi dense fog advisory specifically requests passengers to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight updates and information. Airport authorities have expressed sincere regret for the inconvenience caused to travelers, while assuring them that every effort is being made to minimize disruptions and maintain safety standards during these challenging Delhi dense fog conditions.
Weather Forecast and Expected Conditions
The meteorological outlook suggests that Delhi dense fog will continue to affect the capital over the next several days, significantly impacting visibility and disrupting normal daily activities. The IMD forecast indicates that early mornings will witness very dense fog conditions, which will gradually reduce to dense fog during late morning hours before clearing somewhat in the afternoon.
Temperature predictions during the Delhi dense fog period show that maximum temperatures will hover around twenty-three degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures are expected to drop to approximately eight degrees Celsius. These relatively low temperatures, combined with the Delhi dense fog, create challenging conditions for outdoor activities and transportation. Humidity levels are forecast to remain exceptionally high, ranging between ninety-eight to one hundred percent, which contributes to the persistence and intensity of the fog conditions.
Also Read: PUCC Certificate Delhi: Bold Permanent Restrictions Announced Now
Air Quality Concerns and Health Advisories
Beyond the visibility challenges, the Delhi dense fog situation has raised concerns about air quality in the capital region. Authorities have warned that air quality is likely to remain poor during the fog episodes, posing potential health risks to vulnerable populations. Medical experts have specifically advised elderly citizens and individuals with respiratory conditions to take necessary precautions during the Delhi dense fog period.
The combination of poor air quality and Delhi dense fog creates a particularly hazardous environment for people with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular problems. Health officials recommend that vulnerable individuals minimize outdoor exposure during early morning hours when the Delhi dense fog is most intense and air quality typically reaches its worst levels.
Mid-Week Weather Developments
Weather forecasters predict that skies will be generally cloudy during the middle of the week, with a possibility of light rain or drizzle. This precipitation could provide temporary relief from the cold and potentially help dissipate some of the Delhi dense fog conditions. However, meteorologists caution that temperatures will largely remain consistent, with maximum readings in the low twenties and minimum temperatures remaining in single digits.
The anticipated light rainfall during the Delhi dense fog period may offer a brief respite, as precipitation can help clear atmospheric pollutants and improve overall air quality. However, the improvement is expected to be temporary, with fog conditions likely to return once the rain subsides and humidity levels rise again.
Extended Forecast and Ongoing Challenges
Looking ahead to the latter part of the week, moderate fog is expected to persist during early morning hours throughout the Delhi dense fog alert period. The pattern suggests that fog will gradually clear as each day progresses, offering better visibility during afternoon and evening hours. However, the cycle is expected to repeat daily, with dense conditions returning each night and early morning.
The Delhi dense fog phenomenon affecting the capital is part of a seasonal pattern common during winter months in North India. The combination of high humidity, low temperatures, and atmospheric stability creates ideal conditions for fog formation. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly, allowing extra travel time during early morning hours when the Delhi dense fog is at its peak intensity. The Delhi-Meerut Expressway and other major highways have seen vehicles moving at significantly reduced speeds due to poor visibility caused by the persistent Delhi dense fog conditions affecting the entire region.
