North India is currently experiencing a severe cold wave, with no immediate relief expected in the next 48 hours. The intense cold and dense fog have disrupted daily life across at least 10 states, affecting transportation and air quality.
Delhi recorded its coldest day of the season, with the maximum temperature dropping to 16.9°C, which is 5.3 degrees below normal. The city's air quality index (AQI) has surged to 410, placing it in the "severe" category. A widespread fog cover stretches from Kashmir through Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, extending into parts of Madhya Pradesh.
Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi have been disrupted for five consecutive days, with numerous cancellations and delays. On one day, 66 arriving flights and 63 departures were canceled, and hundreds more were delayed. Over 220 arrivals and 400 departures experienced delays, with average delays exceeding 30 minutes. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has issued a weather advisory, cautioning passengers about potential disruptions due to low visibility caused by dense fog.
Dense fog has also impacted road and rail traffic. The Union road transport ministry has advised drivers to exercise caution in low-visibility conditions. Several long-distance and premium train services are facing delays.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Uttar Pradesh, warning of persistent dense fog and severe cold day conditions until December 24. Orange alerts have been issued for Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Uttarakhand, advising residents and authorities to prepare for continued disruptions. While conditions may briefly improve, dense to very dense fog is expected to return between December 25 and 27.
In Jammu and Kashmir, fresh snowfall has been recorded in the higher reaches. Gulmarg recorded nearly two inches of snow. Despite the snow, Srinagar recorded its warmest night of the season, with the minimum temperature settling at 4°C, which is six degrees above normal. However, adverse weather conditions led to the cancellation of at least 11 flights at Srinagar International Airport.
Himachal Pradesh is experiencing biting cold conditions, with snowfall in high-altitude areas. The mid and lower hills remain under dense cloud cover, prolonging a dry spell. The IMD has warned of moderate to severe snowstorms in isolated places in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti.
The winter chill has intensified across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, with thick fog enveloping several areas. Narnaul in Haryana recorded a minimum temperature of 5.2°C. Dense fog is expected to continue in most parts of northern and some central districts. No significant change in the minimum temperature is likely in the next five days.
