The dense fog has also impacted rail services, with numerous trains experiencing significant delays. At New Delhi Railway Station, several trains were reported running behind schedule, causing inconvenience to passengers.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a temperature of 10.2°C in Delhi at 5:30 am on Saturday, slightly higher than the previous day's 9.6°C. Despite this marginal increase, the cold wave persists, prompting many homeless individuals to seek refuge in night shelters. The city's air quality remains in the 'very poor' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 385, up from 348 the previous day.
Neighboring regions are facing similar challenges. In Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow recorded a temperature of 11.4°C, with dense fog enveloping areas like Mainpuri. In Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar's minimum temperature dropped to -2°C, leading to the freezing of the Dal Lake's surface. Flight operations at Srinagar airport were disrupted due to poor visibility.
Himachal Pradesh's capital, Shimla, experienced an unusual weather phenomenon, recording its highest-ever January daytime temperature of 21.6°C, surpassing the previous record of 21.4°C noted on January 30, 2006. The IMD forecasts a fresh Western Disturbance approaching the region, expected to bring heavy snowfall and rainfall across the state from January 5 to January 7. Light to moderate rain and snowfall are anticipated in Lahaul and Spiti, as well as Kinnaur, with rain and thundershowers expected in the plains adjoining Punjab and Haryana on January 6.
In Bihar, dense fog has led to delays in train operations, adding to the travel woes of passengers. Similarly, parts of Uttarakhand are experiencing intense fog, reducing visibility and affecting daily life.
The cold wave and fog have also impacted daily activities in various cities. In Delhi, many homeless individuals are seeking shelter in night facilities due to the harsh winter conditions. The dense fog has led to near-zero visibility in multiple areas, affecting vehicular movement and increasing the risk of accidents.
Airlines have advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to allow extra travel time due to the foggy conditions. IndiGo and Air India have issued travel advisories, urging passengers to stay updated on flight schedules and to plan accordingly.
The IMD has also issued warnings about the cold wave conditions persisting in northern India. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the cold and to stay updated on weather forecasts. The dense fog is expected to continue affecting visibility, potentially leading to further disruptions in transportation.
In Mumbai, while the city is not directly affected by the fog and cold wave impacting northern India, there have been indirect effects on travel. Flights originating from or destined for northern cities experiencing severe fog have faced delays, leading to schedule adjustments at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Passengers traveling to or from Mumbai are advised to check the status of their flights, especially if they involve connections through affected northern regions. However, Mumbai's local weather remains largely unaffected, with typical seasonal conditions prevailing.