NEW DELHI: Delhi and its neighboring areas experienced light rain early Monday, December 6, while a thick layer of fog blanketed the region. Despite the gloomy weather, flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport remained normal, with low visibility procedures ensuring smooth functioning.

Chilly Morning with Temperature Dip

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 11.4°C at 5:30 AM, with Safdarjung weather station noting a slightly lower 9.6°C at 8:30 AM. The Palam station recorded 9.5°C, which was 1.7°C above normal. Accompanied by chilly winds, these weather conditions signaled the onset of a cold wave in the region.

Weather Forecast and Alerts

The IMD has issued a yellow alert, warning of light rain and dense fog during the early hours and evenings. The temperature in Delhi is expected to range between 7°C and 18°C from January 6 to 10. Moderate to dense fog is expected during January 7-9, while thunder-showers are forecasted around January 11. Cloudy skies will prevail during this period, providing some respite from the persistent air pollution.

The IMD also predicted light to moderate rainfall in isolated locations of New Delhi and parts of Haryana and U.P. Regions like Narela, Bawana, Jafarpur in Delhi, and Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, and Rewari in Haryana, along with Shamli and Kandhla in Uttar Pradesh, were expected to experience showers accompanied by lightning.

Impact on Air Travel

Despite the foggy conditions, flight operations in Delhi remained largely unaffected, with runway visibility ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 meters. However, flights to and from Srinagar, Patna, and Kolkata faced disruptions due to adverse weather in these regions.

At Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, dense fog caused visibility issues, delaying approximately 60 flights. Low visibility procedures were implemented from 7 AM to 9 AM, during which no flight movements occurred. 

Air Quality and Respite

While the weather conditions brought a brief respite from pollution, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) remained in the "very poor" category, standing at 317. The light rain and foggy conditions are expected to improve air quality slightly in the coming days.

The rainy and foggy weather has brought a mix of challenges and relief to Delhi and nearby areas. While flight operations in Delhi remained unaffected, other regions like Kolkata experienced significant delays. Residents are advised to stay cautious while commuting, especially during early mornings and evenings, due to dense fog.