The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the national capital, with a heavy layer of fog covering the city on Friday morning, severely impacting visibility and transport, and even raising health concerns for citizens.
The warning is issued during a prolonged period of cold temperatures and worsening air quality that has already forced authorities to implement additional protections in transportation and the public.
Visibility Drops Sharply Across City
Heavy mists were reported in various areas of Delhi and the NCR region, which made visibility to less than 50 metres in multiple locations in the early morning. The weather had a devastating impact on road activities and created congestion at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Traffic police gave warnings that asked people to drive slowly, use fog lights, and not to travel unnecessary during the best fog times. The thick haze season in Delhi has been exacerbated in recent years due to declining nighttime temperatures, stagnant air, and high moisture.
Flight and Train Schedules Hit
Disruptions caused by fog were observed in major transport systems, and various flights were delayed and diverted because of low visibility on the runways. This also affected the train operations to Delhi, causing a domino effect of delays on the major routes in northern India.
Railway officials verified that dozens of trains arriving were late and that the visibility was causing delays in locomotive movement. The authorities gave warnings that the effects can extend over the weekend in case the density of the fog is maintained.
Health Warning Issued for Vulnerable Groups
IMD and health professionals warned that polluted fog could increase respiratory problems, especially in children, the elderly, and asthmatic and cardiac patients. They recommended that the residents remain indoors during the peak morning hours and wear N95 masks when travelling outside.
Physicians have reported an increase in the number of people experiencing breathlessness, coughing, and eye irritation over the past few days as fog mixes with high-level pollution. In September, the public health advisories are still ongoing in the capital region.
Temperature Dip Likely to Continue
Delhi was registering a few degrees lower than normal on Friday, and daytime temperatures are likely to be low, as the fog and cold winds continue to increase.
Meteorologists pointed to the fact that although certain improvements in visibility can be observed later in the day, the conditions during the first hours of the morning will be dangerous. The orange alert will likely remain in effect as authorities monitor changing weather conditions.
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