For the past four days, Delhi and the surrounding NCR region have been grappling with a severe cold wave, marked by plummeting temperatures and bone-chilling winds. These cold winds have exacerbated the already harsh winter conditions, making outdoor activities increasingly difficult for residents. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert, warning people to brace for these extreme conditions until January 6. The situation is further compounded by the presence of dense fog and smog, which have persisted since the early hours of Friday.

This morning, Delhi and the entire NCR region woke up to a heavy blanket of fog that significantly impacted daily life. Visibility was drastically reduced, creating challenges for commuters and disrupting both road and air traffic. According to reports, visibility at the Delhi Airport was recorded at zero meters as of 9:30 AM, leaving travelers stranded and causing delays in flight schedules. Similarly, the railways reported disruptions, with several trains running late or being rescheduled due to the poor visibility.

In the past 12 hours, minimum visibility levels across Delhi were recorded at alarmingly low levels. At 6:30 AM, Palam experienced dense fog with visibility dropping to just 100 meters, while at Safdarjung, moderate fog reduced visibility to 300 meters by 5:30 AM. The chilling temperatures and poor visibility have forced many residents to take refuge in the warmth of bonfires and heaters, as they try to cope with the harsh weather.

As the cold wave and foggy conditions are expected to persist, residents are urged to stay indoors whenever possible, avoid unnecessary travel, and take precautions to protect themselves from the biting cold.