Foggy Skies, Low Visibility
Dense fog has blanketed North India, with visibility dropping drastically in several areas. At the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi,
visibility was as low as 50 meters at 5:30 am on Thursday, according to the IMD. This significantly impacted travel and daily activities. The weather agency has stated that this condition will persist until January 16 (Friday) for regions including Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi. The fog is most intense during the early morning and night hours, creating hazardous conditions for commuters and travelers alike. The IMD's forecasts highlight the severity of the fog and its widespread impact across the region.
Cold Wave Intensifies
Alongside the dense fog, a cold wave has further worsened the weather conditions in North India. The minimum temperature in Delhi dropped to 5 degrees Celsius, with cold wave conditions expected to continue throughout the day. Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand are also under the grip of the cold wave on Friday, while Odisha will face similar conditions until Saturday. The combination of fog and cold temperatures is making life difficult for residents and impacting various sectors. The IMD's warnings emphasize the need for people to stay informed and take necessary safety measures to protect themselves from the extreme weather.
Regional Impact Detailed
The weather disturbances are widespread across North India. The IMD forecasts that dense to very dense fog will continue in isolated parts of Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, East Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, and Meghalaya until Friday. West Rajasthan will experience dense fog throughout the day. In addition, isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh are likely to face cold day conditions today and tomorrow. The diverse regional impacts highlight the extensive reach of the current weather pattern and the varied challenges faced by different communities. This detailed forecast allows residents across the affected areas to prepare accordingly.
Preparedness and Response
Amidst the challenging weather, India's security forces continued their preparations for the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path, as reported by _PTI_. The combination of these extreme weather conditions and essential activities calls for a strong and coordinated response from both governmental and public bodies. The IMD's regular updates and forecasts are key to preparing the public and enabling various organizations and local administration to respond quickly. The ongoing efforts underscore the importance of maintaining readiness and flexibility when dealing with harsh weather situations to safeguard public safety and operational efficacy.
