NEW DELHI:  Dense fog enveloped Delhi on January 4, significantly affecting flight operations. The Delhi airport issued an advisory urging passengers to check flight schedules with their respective airlines, especially for flights not compliant with CAT III protocols. IndiGo Airlines also confirmed that fog-induced disruptions were delaying flights in the capital.

Cold Wave Tightens Grip on Delhi

As temperatures continued to plummet, Delhi recorded 10.2°C at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, slightly higher than Friday's 9.6°C. A biting cold wave swept through the city, compelling many homeless residents to seek refuge in night shelters. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) reported that all beds at its Lodhi Road night shelter were occupied. Additionally, 235 pagoda tents were set up across key locations, including AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and the Nizamuddin flyover, to accommodate more people during the harsh winter nights.

Air Quality Worsens

The air quality in Delhi remained in the 'very poor' category, with an AQI of 385 recorded at 6:00 a.m., up from 348 the previous day. The Central Pollution Control Board noted that prolonged exposure to such conditions could pose severe health risks, especially for vulnerable groups.

Cold Wave Sweeps Across North India

Neighboring states also battled extreme weather conditions. Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh recorded a minimum temperature of 11.4°C on Saturday morning, while Mainpuri experienced dense fog. Residents across the region were seen gathering around bonfires to ward off the cold.

Shimla Records Unusual January Heat

Himachal Pradesh's capital, Shimla, recorded its highest-ever daytime January temperature of 21.6°C on January 4. Dr. Kuldeep Srivastava from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed this to prolonged clear skies, leading to warmer days. However, a fresh Western Disturbance is expected to bring heavy snowfall and rainfall across Himachal Pradesh between January 5 and 7.

The IMD predicts light to moderate snowfall in regions like Lahaul, Spiti, and Kinnaur, with rain and thundershowers likely in parts of Punjab and Haryana. These weather changes are expected to bring temporary relief from the unusual temperature patterns in Shimla while intensifying winter conditions in other northern states.