Delhi Under Yellow Alert: Dense Fog Disrupts Trains and Flights as Temperature Plummets
Morning Weather Conditions
Delhi residents woke up to a chilly Friday morning as temperatures dropped and dense fog blanketed numerous areas of the capital city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a “yellow” alert for moderate to dense fog, signaling potential disruptions to daily life in the national capital on January 17.
Railway Disruptions
The severe weather conditions have significantly impacted North Indian railway operations, with 27 trains departing from various Delhi stations reporting delays. The fog-induced low visibility has particularly affected several major routes. The Unchahar Express (14217) experienced the longest delay of 215 minutes, while other major trains including the Vikramshila Express (12367), AP Express (20805), and RKMP NZM SF Express (12155) also faced substantial delays. The Kaifiyat Express (12225) and Prayagraj Express (12418) were running behind schedule by 178 and 110 minutes respectively.
Airport Operations Impact
The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) issued important advisories regarding flight operations. The authority warned that flights not equipped with CAT III technology might face operational challenges. DIAL urged passengers to maintain contact with their respective airlines for updated flight information. IndiGo Airlines also released a cautionary notice, alerting passengers about potential schedule changes due to the foggy conditions and recommending they verify their flight status before heading to the airport.
Airport Status Update
In a recent development, Delhi airport authorities announced that flight operations had returned to normal as runway visibility improved. This update brought some relief to travelers facing uncertainty about their flight schedules.
Traffic and Visibility Conditions
The outer Delhi regions experienced particularly dense fog during the morning hours, leading to severely reduced visibility and traffic congestion. These conditions created challenging circumstances for morning commuters and general transportation across the city.
Temperature and Weather Forecast
The IMD has forecast a foggy day with maximum temperatures reaching approximately 19 degrees Celsius. At 8:30 AM, the city recorded a temperature of 11 degrees Celsius with humidity levels at 97%. The weather department noted a 1-3°C drop in minimum temperatures across various Delhi regions over the past 24 hours. More significantly, the forecast indicates extremely severe fog conditions for both Saturday and Sunday.
Air Quality Status
Adding to the weather-related challenges, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to the “poor” category. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 294 around 9 AM. For context, the AQI categories are classified as follows:
- Good: 0-50
- Satisfactory: 51-100
- Moderate: 101-200
- Poor: 201-300
- Very Poor: 301-400
- Severe: 401-500
Travel Advisory and Precautions
Transportation authorities have advised residents to take necessary precautions while traveling. The combination of dense fog, poor visibility, and deteriorating air quality has created challenging conditions for all forms of transportation. Travelers are encouraged to plan their journeys with extra time allowances and stay updated with the latest transportation advisories.
Emergency Measures
Local authorities have implemented various measures to manage the situation. These include enhanced traffic management systems and regular updates through social media platforms to keep citizens informed about transportation conditions. The focus remains on ensuring public safety while minimizing disruptions to daily activities.
Looking Ahead
Weather experts predict that these challenging conditions may persist through the weekend, necessitating continued vigilance and adaptation from both authorities and residents. The situation requires ongoing monitoring and potential adjustments to travel plans, particularly for those relying on air or rail transportation.