Delhi Fog, Flight Delays, and Persistent Cold Weather: Updates from the Capital
On a chilly Saturday morning in Delhi, residents in various parts of the city experienced dense fog as cold weather continued its grip over the region. With visibility significantly reduced, travel operations faced disruptions, impacting both flights and train schedules. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature was forecasted at 7°C, while the maximum was expected to reach 19°C. Early morning readings indicated around 11°C at 7:30 AM.
The IMD warned that foggy conditions could persist for the next few days, followed by a likelihood of rain and thunderstorms on January 22 and 23. The weather’s impact extended to train services, with 47 inbound trains delayed as reported by the Indian Railways. At the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, several flights were also delayed, leaving passengers grappling with uncertainty.
The region’s air quality saw some improvement, thanks to recent rains. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced the revocation of Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). As per IMD and IITM forecasts, favorable meteorological conditions and strong winds are likely to keep Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) in the lower end of the “Very Poor” category in the coming days. At 8 AM on Saturday, the AQI was recorded at 248, according to data from the Sameer app. GRAP classifies AQI into four categories: Stage I (Poor, 201-300), Stage II (Very Poor, 301-400), Stage III (Severe, 401-450), and Stage IV (Severe Plus, above 450).
Elsewhere in North India, a cold wave gripped multiple states. In Uttar Pradesh, thick fog covered areas like Prayagraj, which is hosting the 2025 Mahakumbh Mela. Dense fog was also reported in parts of Madhya Pradesh, significantly reducing road visibility, as seen in visuals from Gwalior. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh witnessed snowfall in higher regions, along with light rainfall in lower areas, with temperatures fluctuating between 1°C and 5°C. The IMD predicted isolated cold wave conditions in parts of Himachal until January 19.
In its latest bulletin, the weather department indicated that Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and East Rajasthan would also face dense to very dense fog over the weekend. Minimal changes in temperature are expected across Northwest India over the next 48 hours, with a slight increase of 2-3°C forecasted thereafter.
The persistent cold and foggy weather remind residents of the challenges faced during Delhi’s winter months. While the city prepares for potential rains, authorities and travelers alike are urged to remain vigilant and plan for delays in transportation.