Extreme cold wave and dense fog disrupt life across North India; Delhi shivers even as several flights, trains delayed
Weather update: An extreme cold wave gripped many parts of North India, including Delhi and its surrounding regions, on Friday morning. A dense blanket of fog reduced visibility to alarming levels, disrupting daily life and travel.
In the National Capital Region (NCR), the cold wave persisted for the fifth consecutive day, causing a sharp dip in maximum temperatures. The dense fog further complicated matters, leading to severe visibility issues on roads and at the Delhi airport.
#WATCH | A dense layer of fog blankets Chandigarh as cold wave grips the city. pic.twitter.com/BE5x6XrM6v — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2025
At 7 am, general visibility at the Delhi airport was recorded at a mere 50 metre, while runway visibility dropped to zero. The airport authorities issued a warning, cautioning passengers about potential disruptions to flight operations.
“While landings and take-offs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant (low-visibility landing feature) may be affected. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for updated flight information,” stated the airport advisory issued on Friday morning.
#WATCH | Visibility affected as a thick blanket of fog descended over Delhi.
Visuals from Dwarka Expressway. pic.twitter.com/xPwjWHmDZe — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2025
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange warning for the capital, forecasting "dense to very dense fog." A partly cloudy sky is also expected later in the day.
Noida shuts schools
In Noida, the administration has closed schools for students up to Class 8 until further notice due to the extreme cold. The IMD has predicted a low of 8 degrees Celsius for Friday, with no immediate respite in sight.
Other states face severe cold wave
The cold wave has also tightened its grip on Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Bihar, with temperatures plummeting to new lows.
Bihar adopts new school timings
In Bihar, including the capital city Patna, minimum temperatures are expected to range between 6 and 11 degrees Celsius for the next three to four days. Responding to the situation, the government has revised school timings to operate from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm until January 6.
#WATCH | Rajasthan: A dense layer of fog blankets Jaipur as cold wave grips the city. pic.twitter.com/8WX7GjcuGQ — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2025
Rajasthan records 3.6 Degrees Celsius
In Rajasthan's Fatehpur, located in Sikar district, the minimum temperature dropped to a chilling 3.6 degrees Celsius in the last 24 hours, making it one of the coldest spots in the state.
As cold and foggy conditions persist, the authorities across affected states are urging citizens to take necessary precautions to stay safe and warm.
Trains delayed
#WATCH | Delhi: Several trains delayed at New Delhi railway station due to fog as coldwave grips the city.
(Visuals from New Delhi Railway station) pic.twitter.com/NucZl6ZCGQ — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2025
- With inputs from agencies
