1. Dense fog blankets North India, affecting Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
2. Transportation disruptions occur with 26 trains running late due to reduced visibility.
3. Cold wave conditions intensify, impacting daily life in the region.
New Delhi, Jan 03: A thick blanket of fog descended upon various parts of North India, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan, exacerbating the prevailing cold wave conditions on Wednesday. This atmospheric phenomenon led to disruptions in transportation, causing delays for at least 26 trains.
In the early hours of the day, Delhi experienced moderate to dense fog in isolated areas, with visibility hovering around 500 meters at 9 am. Safdarjung recorded a visibility of 200 meters.
Visibility Recorded(≤200 metres): East Uttar Pradesh: Bahraich-25, Gorakhpur-50, Lucknow & Varanasi-200 each; Bihar: Purnea-25, Patna-200; West Uttar Pradesh: Meerut, Jhansi & Bareilly-50 each; Rajasthan: Ajmer- 25, Bikaner, Jaisalmer & Jaipur-50 each;
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) January 3, 2024
The minimum temperature at Safdarjung was registered at 7.3 degrees Celsius, with Tuesday’s maximum temperature being 17.2 degrees, two degrees below the normal range.
The dense fog led to delays in 26 Delhi-bound trains, including the Ranchi-New Delhi Rajdhani Express, leaving commuters frustrated.
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Moreover, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital lingered in the ‘very poor’ category, reaching 328 at 9 am on Wednesday. According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) national bulletin at 4 pm on Tuesday, it was recorded at 340 (very poor).
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that reduced visibility was observed in several areas due to the fog cover.
Fog conditions (at 0830 hours IST of today)Very Dense Fog observed in isolated pockets of East Rajasthan, East UP and Bihar; Dense Fog in isolated pockets of West Rajasthan,West UP, West Bengal and Assam and Moderate Fog in isolated pockets of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and north MP.
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) January 3, 2024
Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh and Purnea in Bihar reported the lowest visibility at 25 on Wednesday. Ajmer in Rajasthan recorded a visibility of 25, while Bikaner, Jaisalmer, and Jaipur each recorded a visibility of 50.
In response to the ongoing cold wave, the Gautam Buddh Nagar district administration announced the closure of schools from January 3 to 6 for students up to Class 8. However, classes for students from classes 9 to 12 will continue between 10 am and 3 pm.
The IMD’s forecast suggests that the number of cold wave days is anticipated to be below normal over most parts of Central India during January 2024.
