Dense Fog Engulfs Delhi-NCR: Traffic Advisory Issued, Visibility Just 150m, Trains Running Late

Flight and train operations continued to take a hit in the national capital after dense fog prevailed in Delhi on Friday morning. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed that the fog conditions at Delhi’s IGI airport improved significantly earlier this morning, with the lowest visibility at 150 m.

Meanwhile, due to dense fog, several trains were delayed and cancelled at Anand Vihar Railway Station. Responding on the delay of trains, a passenger Prashant Kumar said, “The trains are later than usual this time. Nandankanan Express coming to Delhi from Bhubaneswar was supposed to reach at 3.30 pm but it reached Delhi at 12.30 am.”

Delhi witnessed a marginal improvement in air quality on Friday, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 356. The air quality, however, is expected to be in the “very poor” category for the next two days.

Dense Fog Conditions in North India

The IMD forecasted that the dense fog situation is likely to continue for the next two days in the Delhi-Noida region and will cover most parts of North India including Punjab, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, dense fog warning has been issued for Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh during the late and early hours until December 31.

Witnessing the dense fog conditions in several parts of North India, the weather department has issued an advisory and has instructed drivers to use fog lights. Additionally, travellers have been asked to stay updated on the schedules of airlines, railways and state transport.

Delhi Police Issues Traffic Advisory

With Delhi already been given a “Red Alert” as the city can be wrapped in dense fog with low visibility, the Delhi Police on Thursday issued a traffic advisory to help commuters avoid crashes and fatalities. All road users are advised to observe and take the following precautions to reach their destination safely:

• Know your destination and set out the plan of your route. Keep the vehicle in good condition. Make sure everything is in working order, especially lights, brakes, tyres, windscreen wipers, radiator, battery and car heating system.
• In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business and stop.
• Keep your windows and mirrors clean. Use your defroster and wipers to maximise your vision.
• If visibility is reduced, turn on fog lights, reduce speed and slow down, watch speedometer, don’t drive beyond headlights.
• Keep your windows and mirrors clean. Use your defroster and wipers to maximise your vision.
• Honk periodically to let other drivers know your presence. Do not attempt to overtake other vehicles.

Schools Closed in Noida & Greater Noida

In view of the cold weather situation, all schools across Noida and Greater Noida will remain closed on Friday and Saturday.

“In compliance with the instructions given by District Magistrate, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Maneesh Kumar Verma in view of the dense fog and extreme cold, all the boards (CBSE/ICSE/IB and others) recognised schools, council schools, government schools or non-government aided schools will observe holiday on December 29 and 30,” the order stated.

With a fall in mercury and cold weather conditions prevailing in Uttar Pradesh, the district administration in Ayodhaya announced that all schools from classes 1 to 12 will remain closed on Saturday, December 30.

Meanwhile, several North Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and others have also been facing cold waves and dense fog conditions. The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of the possible health impacts on the people due to the temperature. These conditions have prompted the authorities to announce the winter vacation in the states.