NEW DELHI: Foggy conditions disrupted life in Delhi and other parts of North India on Monday, January 20, causing delay of 19 trains and resulting inconvenience to commuters. The Indian Railways urged passengers to check updated schedules before traveling. Trains like the Nauchandi Express, Vaishali Express, and Kashi Vishwanath Express were among those running behind schedule.
Morning visuals from Delhi showed thick fog enveloping key areas, including Akshardham Temple and Kartavya Path. Despite the low visibility, defence personnel conducted their 76th Republic Day parade rehearsal in the chilly weather.
Meanwhile, India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a drop in Delhi’s temperature to 12.6°C early Monday morning, with the minimum temperature expected to reach 11°C. Meanwhile, the city’s air quality continued to be a concern, remaining in the ‘very poor’ category. At 8 a.m., Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 344, slightly higher than the previous day’s reading of 340. To shield the homeless from the harsh weather, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) set up 235 pagoda tents and various night shelters across the city.
Fog Wreaks Havoc Across Northern India
Fog also affected other North Indian states, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Prayagraj’s Maha Kumbh Mela saw devotees braving the dense fog to take holy dips at the Triveni Sangam. Over 22.79 lakh people participated in the ritual on Monday, with the total number of visitors crossing 8.26 crore so far, according to the Uttar Pradesh government.
In Agra, the Taj Mahal appeared shrouded in fog as a cold wave gripped the city. Similar conditions prevailed in Kashmir, where temperatures plummeted below freezing. Srinagar residents and tourists wrapped themselves in heavy layers to stay warm, while Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmir was blanketed in thick snow.
Chandigarh also woke up to foggy skies, with temperatures dipping to 9°C. According to the IMD, a slight rise in temperatures across northern states is likely in the coming days.
The biting cold and dense fog have caused widespread disruptions, but officials remain hopeful that the weather will improve gradually.
The weather is likely to take a turn by midweek as two western disturbances are expected to bring light rain to several areas, including Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, and northern Rajasthan, on January 22 and 23 (Wednesday-Thursday). This rainfall is anticipated to lower temperatures, bringing back the chill of winter.