A heavy layer of dense fog descended upon Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Saturday morning, severely affecting visibility and disrupting daily life for millions of residents. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that visibility dropped to near zero in several pockets of the city, including Palam and Safdarjung, causing significant delays for commuters and air travelers alike. Several flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport were diverted or delayed, while numerous long-distance trains were reported running hours behind schedule due to the treacherous driving conditions on the tracks. Motorists were seen crawling at low speeds with hazard lights on as the grey haze turned the morning commute into a navigational challenge across major arterial roads and highways connecting Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad.
The sudden drop in visibility was accompanied by a sharp dip in temperature, intensifying the winter chill that has persisted over the past week. According to the latest IMD bulletin, this foggy spell is likely to be followed by a shift in weather patterns caused by a fresh western disturbance. Forecasters have predicted light to moderate rainfall across Delhi and its neighboring states over the next 48 hours. While the rain is expected to provide some relief from the choking smog by washing away suspended particulate matter, the combination of moisture and cold winds is likely to keep the maximum temperatures well below the seasonal average.
Environmental experts and health officials have issued advisories for the elderly and those with respiratory conditions, as the stagnant air during dense fog often traps pollutants, leading to “Very Poor” air quality levels. The predicted rainfall is being viewed as a double-edged sword; while it may clear the air, it could also lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas and further complicate traffic movement in the capital. The IMD has urged residents to stay updated on weather alerts and has cautioned travelers to check flight and train statuses before heading out. As the region braces for a wet spell, local authorities remain on high alert to manage the potential impact of the changing weather on the city’s infrastructure and public safety.
