The dense fog that blanketed Delhi on Monday morning caused major disruptions in train services, with 19 trains running late, according to the Indian Railways. Travelers experienced delays as thick fog hampered visibility and affected train schedules. Passengers are advised to check the latest updates before embarking on their journey.
Impact on Train Services
The dense fog in the national capital led to delays for several trains. Among the trains running late were the Nauchandi Express (14241), Vaishali Express (12553), Kir Asr Express (15707), S Kranti Sup Express (12393), Anvt Garib Rath (22409), and Kashi Vishwanath Express (15127). The railways have urged passengers to stay informed about train schedules, especially during such weather conditions.
Morning visuals from various parts of Delhi showed a thick layer of fog enveloping the area. Not only did this cause disruptions in rail services, but it also affected other sectors. The cold wave persisted throughout the national capital, creating chilly conditions. The dense fog was seen blanketing the Akshardham Temple area as the cold continued to affect Delhi.
Weather Updates for Delhi
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded a temperature of 12.6°C at 5 am on Monday. The IMD has predicted that the lowest temperature for the day will be 11°C. While the fog may have caused some inconvenience, the IMD has forecasted that the weather conditions will improve slightly in the coming days as temperatures rise.
Amid the fog, Delhi’s air quality continued to be in the ‘very poor’ category. The Central Pollution Control Board reported that the Air Quality Index (AQI) was at 344 at 8 am on Monday. This was a slight increase from the previous day’s AQI of 340. The AQI scale indicates that a reading between 301 and 400 is classified as ‘very poor,’ contributing to hazardous air conditions in the city.
The ongoing cold wave continued to affect vulnerable sections of society, with homeless individuals seeking refuge in night shelters. To provide relief, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) set up 235 pagoda tents to accommodate the homeless, offering them shelter from the cold. Several night shelters have been established across the city to assist those in need during these harsh weather conditions.
Fog in Other Northern Regions
Foggy conditions also impacted other regions of North India, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh (UP), and North Rajasthan. In UP’s Prayagraj, the fog added to the mystique of the Maha Kumbh Mela, where devotees continued to gather despite the fog. The IMD has predicted that fog conditions will begin to subside by Tuesday, with a slight rise in temperature expected.
The cold wave continued to grip the Kashmir Valley, where temperatures dipped below zero. Residents in Srinagar and tourists were seen bundling up in heavy layers of clothing to stay warm. Meanwhile, in Agra, the Taj Mahal was shrouded in a layer of fog, adding to the cold and foggy conditions in the city.
In Chandigarh, a thin layer of fog covered the city as well. The IMD has forecasted the lowest temperature in Chandigarh to be around 9°C on Monday, further contributing to the ongoing cold wave that has affected much of North India.
As fog continues to affect train services, air quality, and weather conditions in North India, travellers and residents are urged to stay informed about the latest updates to ensure their safety and comfort.