Delhi is currently experiencing an intense cold wave, with temperatures plummeting to a chilling 9 degrees Celsius on Sunday (January 5). The cold conditions are made worse by a brisk wind speed of 16 km/h, leaving residents shivering. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for dense fog throughout the city during the morning hours. Smog and shallow fog are also expected to linger into the evening and night.
The thick fog has caused major disruptions for commuters, particularly at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), where flight operations have been delayed. Aircraft not equipped with CAT III technology have been most affected. Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) assured passengers that while flights are still landing and taking off, those not compliant with CAT III technology may face delays. Passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines for updated flight information.
According to FlightRadar24, Delhi Airport reported as many as 16 cancellations amid dense fog and low visibility. Additionally, 71 arriving and 165 departing flights were also delayed at IGI airport today, as per the data avaliable at 11 am.
Delhi weather forecast
On Saturday, visibility in Delhi dropped to zero for an extended nine-hour period, the longest such stretch this season. The IMD forecasts a maximum temperature of 18 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius for Sunday, with partly cloudy skies expected in the afternoon and evening.
A fresh Western Disturbance between January 10 and 12 is expected to bring light rain to Northwest India. The cold wave and dense fog are expected to continue affecting Delhi and other parts of North India for the next few days.