Delhi shivers: Heavy rains, fog alert, IMD forecast—Are trains and flights delayed?”
Heavy rain swept through Delhi early Monday, lowering temperatures and intensifying winter chills. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of dense fog across North India during late nights and early mornings until January 9.
Weather and Air Quality Updates
Rainfall on Monday morning left Delhi under cloudy skies, as IMD predicted “very light to light rain with thunderstorms.” The surface wind initially moved from the southeast at less than 4 km/h but increased to 6-8 km/h by the afternoon. Winds slowed again during the evening, causing smog and shallow fog.
Air quality worsened, with SAFAR recording Delhi’s AQI at 316 in the “very poor” category early Monday. Fog and smog are likely to persist, making mornings and evenings hazy.
Flight and Train Delays
Delhi Airport continued “low visibility procedures” early Monday, ensuring smooth operations despite fog. However, adverse weather affected flights from Srinagar, Patna, and Kolkata, leading to delays and rescheduling. Passengers were advised to check updates with airlines. By Sunday night, flight operations normalized after improved runway visibility.
Train services faced more disruption, with 51 trains delayed on Sunday due to dense fog. Passengers across North India experienced long waits as visibility dipped sharply.
Patna Schools Shut Due to Cold
In Bihar, Patna’s district administration extended school closures for students up to Class 8 until January 11. The order included private and government schools, Anganwadi centers, and coaching institutes. Earlier, the administration limited school hours to 9 am–4 pm between January 2 and 6 due to harsh cold conditions.
Broader Impact of Fog and Cold
Fog continues to disrupt daily life across North India, impacting transportation and education. With cold waves and low visibility likely to persist, authorities recommend precautionary measures. Dense fog in Delhi and surrounding areas poses challenges for commuters, schools, and businesses.
IMD forecasts cloudy skies and more rain in Delhi over the next few days. Southeast winds may ease fog slightly during afternoons but will drop in speed by evening. Northern states, including Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, are also bracing for colder nights and foggy mornings.
Precautions for Commuters
Residents should plan travel carefully, monitor weather updates, and stay indoors during extreme conditions. Airlines and railway services suggest checking schedules before heading to stations or airports. Commuters on highways should drive cautiously as fog limits visibility.
As winter tightens its grip, Delhi and neighboring states face weather-induced disruptions. Persistent fog, heavy rainfall, and dipping air quality test resilience, while authorities work to mitigate challenges.
