Wed Dec 25 08:49:37 UTC 2024: ## Cold Wave Grips North India, Delhi on Yellow Alert as Fog Disrupts Flights

**New Delhi, December 25:** A cold wave continues to sweep across North India, with heavy snowfall in the mountains causing plummeting temperatures and dense fog in the plains. Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are particularly affected, experiencing a chill intensified by recent rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi, warning of dense fog that has already reduced visibility at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) to below 100 meters at both Palam and Safdarjung, impacting flight operations. While landings and takeoffs are continuing, flights not CAT III compliant may be affected.

The IMD predicts that air quality will remain extremely poor on December 25th and 26th, although recent light rain and strong winds have slightly improved conditions. Further improvement is expected after December 26th.

Widespread rainfall is expected in several states, including Uttar Pradesh, parts of Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, coastal Andhra Pradesh, coastal Tamil Nadu, parts of Telangana, south Chhattisgarh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are also predicted to experience rainfall.

Himachal Pradesh has recorded sub-zero temperatures in most regions, with the lowest minimum temperature reaching -10.6 degrees Celsius in Tabo, Lahaul-Spiti. Similarly, severe cold conditions prevail in Jammu and Kashmir, with Srinagar’s Dal Lake completely frozen.

Rajasthan is also experiencing dense fog, with a new western disturbance expected to impact several regions from December 26-27, bringing with it the possibility of further rain. Similar conditions are predicted for parts of Madhya Pradesh and Western Uttar Pradesh. Heavy snowfall continues in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, with some roads closed due to snow.

The IMD has warned of severe cold and fog in several areas, advising residents to take necessary precautions. While the overall AQI in Delhi has improved from “severe” to “very poor”, the fog and cold are set to continue in the coming days, impacting daily life across the region.

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