In a bone-chilling turn of events, Delhi experienced its coldest morning of the season today, as the temperature plummeted to 3.9 degrees Celsius. The icy conditions not only gripped the city but also wreaked havoc on road, rail, and air traffic due to the enveloping dense fog.
Twenty-three trains bound for Delhi faced delays ranging from one to six hours, a consequence of adverse weather conditions not only in Delhi but also in various states, as reported by the railways. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) disclosed that the Indira Gandhi International Airport witnessed zero visibility owing to “very dense fog conditions.” Despite these challenges, flight operations were not severely impacted, with authorities ensuring normalcy in the overall airport functioning.
However, recognizing the potential disruptions, Delhi airport authorities issued an advisory, advising passengers to check with their respective airlines for real-time flight information before heading to the airport. The authorities emphasized the implementation of Low Visibility Procedures and stated, “While landing and takeoffs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may get affected. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted.”
The Category III (CAT III) refers to an instrument landing system (ILS) that enables aircraft to operate in low visibility conditions. It becomes imperative during instances of very dense fog causing poor or zero visibility.
Despite the piercing cold, a bit of relief graced the Delhi-NCR region as the sun managed to pierce through the thinned layer of fog on Thursday. However, the persistent chilly winds ensured that temperatures remained subdued.
The prevailing weather conditions have been categorized from “cold day” to “severe cold day” over many parts of North India since December 30-31. A “cold day” is defined when the minimum temperature is less than or equal to 10 degrees Celsius, and the maximum temperature is at least 4.5 notches below normal. On the other hand, a “severe cold day” is declared when the maximum temperature is at least 6.5 notches below normal.
As Delhi grapples with the winter chill and fog-induced disruptions, residents and travelers are advised to stay updated on weather forecasts and adhere to any guidance provided by relevant authorities to ensure a safe and smooth experience during this challenging period.
Sources By Agencies