Delhi Fog Update: Dense Fog Disrupts Air and Rail Traffic
Delhi witnessed its longest zero visibility spell of the season, as dense fog enveloped the city on Saturday, causing significant disruptions in air and rail traffic. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), visibility was reduced to zero for a nine-hour stretch, from 6 PM to 3 AM (UTC), marking the longest duration of such conditions this season.
Flight Operations Severely Affected
The adverse weather conditions at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport led to widespread flight disruptions. A total of 19 flights were diverted, including 13 domestic, four international, and two non-scheduled flights. Over 45 flights were cancelled, and more than 400 flights were delayed, causing inconvenience to thousands of passengers.
“The dense fog and reduced visibility have caused operational challenges,” an airport official stated. “We are working closely with airlines to manage the situation and minimize passenger inconvenience.”
The situation mirrored Friday’s conditions, when another 400 flights were delayed due to similar foggy conditions.
Rail Services Disrupted
The dense fog also impacted rail services, with the Northern Railway reporting delays in 59 trains by up to six hours, and 22 trains running late by approximately eight hours. Passengers are advised to check the status of their trains before heading to the station.
Weather Forecast and Air Quality
The IMD reported that Delhi’s maximum temperature settled at 20 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature was recorded at 7.8 degrees Celsius. For Sunday, the weather department has predicted a partly cloudy sky with smog and moderate fog in most areas. Dense fog is expected in some places during the morning hours.
The wind speed is expected to gradually increase to 8-10 kmph from the southeast in the afternoon before decreasing to less than 6 kmph in the evening and night. The maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to be around 18 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Air Quality in the ‘Very Poor’ Category
Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Saturday, with the city’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 378. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, especially those with respiratory conditions.
Stay Updated
Travelers are encouraged to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and travel advisories. Follow our news portal for real-time updates on flight and train schedules, and weather conditions in Delhi.
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Source: News 360
