Severe Cold Grips Delhi-NCR as Temperatures Drop Sharply, Dense Fog Disrupts Daily Life

Delhi and its surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) experienced an intense spell of winter on Thursday as temperatures plunged significantly below seasonal averages, bringing biting cold conditions and severely reduced visibility across the region. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), several parts of the capital and neighbouring cities recorded some of the lowest temperatures of the season, accompanied by widespread dense fog during early morning hours.

Lodhi Road, one of Delhi’s prominent weather observation points, recorded a minimum temperature of around 3.6 degrees Celsius, while Gurugram in Haryana reported a similar low of approximately 3.5 degrees Celsius. These readings indicate a sharp dip compared to normal January temperatures, intensifying cold conditions for residents.

Fog and Cold Wave Conditions Persist

The IMD issued an early morning nowcast warning highlighting the likelihood of very dense fog across multiple parts of Delhi, including central, northern, northwestern, southern, and southwestern zones. Meteorologists cautioned that visibility levels could fall drastically in several areas, especially during early morning hours, affecting road, rail, and air travel.

Dense fog conditions were also predicted across large parts of northwest India, including Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. The weather agency noted that fog intensity may vary from moderate to very dense, particularly during night and morning hours over the next few days.

In addition to fog, cold wave conditions have been observed in isolated pockets of Delhi and neighbouring states. The IMD stated that temperatures are likely to remain appreciably below normal, with minimum readings expected to stay several degrees lower than the seasonal average.

Impact on Air Traffic and Transportation

Low visibility due to fog had a noticeable impact on air travel at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport during the early hours of Thursday. Airport authorities issued an alert indicating extremely reduced visibility, at times dropping to around 50 metres. As a result, flight operations were carried out under advanced low-visibility procedures, which may lead to delays for both arrivals and departures.

Passengers were advised to remain in contact with airlines for real-time updates and to expect possible schedule adjustments. Fog-related disruptions are common during peak winter months in northern India, and authorities continue to monitor conditions closely to ensure passenger safety.

Road traffic across Delhi-NCR also slowed down during the morning commute, with motorists urged to drive cautiously and use fog lights where necessary. Traffic police departments across the region issued advisories requesting commuters to allow extra travel time and avoid high-speed driving under low-visibility conditions.

Temperature Outlook for the Coming Days

According to IMD forecasts, Delhi’s minimum temperature is likely to remain well below normal, ranging between 3 and 5 degrees Celsius, while maximum temperatures are expected to hover between 21 and 23 degrees Celsius. The weather is expected to remain partly cloudy, with fog persisting during early morning hours.

Several weather stations across the capital recorded similarly low temperatures. Safdarjung, Delhi’s primary weather station, reported a minimum close to 3.8 degrees Celsius, while areas such as Ayanagar, Palam, and the Ridge also experienced chilly conditions with temperatures hovering around 4 to 5 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists have advised residents to take necessary precautions, especially during early mornings and late nights, when cold stress can be more pronounced. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and those with existing health conditions, are advised to stay warm and limit exposure to cold conditions.

Regional Weather Advisory

Beyond Delhi-NCR, cold wave conditions are expected to affect parts of northern and eastern India over the next few days. States such as Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, western Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Jharkhand may experience similar weather patterns, including low temperatures and foggy mornings.

The IMD has stated that these conditions are typical during peak winter but can intensify when cold winds and clear night skies combine, leading to rapid heat loss from the ground.

Authorities Urge Caution

Weather officials and civic authorities have urged residents to remain alert, follow advisories, and stay updated with official weather bulletins. Travelers are encouraged to plan journeys carefully, while schools, offices, and local administrations continue to monitor conditions for any necessary adjustments.

As winter tightens its grip on northern India, the coming days are expected to remain cold and foggy, with gradual improvement likely only after weather patterns shift later in the month.