Delhi experiences the coldest January in 21 years
In January 2024, Delhi experienced its coldest month in 21 years, with the mean maximum temperature at Safdarjung reaching only 17.9°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) revealed that this was the third time in 33 years that January temperatures remained below 18°C. Plus, dense fog affected various regions, including Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, causing low visibility and disruptions to travel.
Dense fog continues to blanket Delhi and surrounding regions
Dense fog led to zero visibility at Delhi's Palam area and the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) even on January 30. The IMD predicts that similar fog conditions will persist in isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi on January 31 and February 2. As a result, the Delhi airport issued an advisory for passengers, stating that flights not CAT III compliant may be affected and urging them to contact their airlines for updated information.
Travel operations affected by low visibility
The foggy conditions have also caused delays for trains arriving or departing from Delhi stations. The IMD forecasts light showers in the national capital due to a western disturbance in the Himalayan region on Wednesday and Thursday. On Tuesday, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 10°C and a maximum of 19°C, with the normal maximum temperature in January being 20.1°C.
Over 50 flights delayed, some diverted as thick fog shrouds
The Met Department reports that as of 1:30 am, there was zero visibility at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, which had an impact on aircraft operations. The dense fog in Delhi caused more than 50 planes to be delayed, according to sources at the airport. A few of these aircraft were rerouted to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur.
Light showers predicted due to western disturbance
Till February 3, Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh may have mild to moderate rainfall or snowfall due to the effects of two western storms. Heavy snow and showers may occur in one or two spells in Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, Kullu, and upper regions of Mandi, Sirmour, and Shimla, the IMD said on Sunday. Residents and travelers should remain vigilant and stay updated on weather conditions to avoid any inconvenience or disruptions to their plans.
