National Desk, Jan 30: Early risers in North India were greeted by a dense fog blanket on Tuesday, significantly reducing visibility and throwing travel plans into disarray. The thickest fog enveloped parts of Punjab, Haryana, Northwest Rajasthan, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, with some areas experiencing visibility as low as 25 meters. Amritsar, Patiala, Ambala, Ganganagar, and Varanasi were among the worst-hit cities, witnessing visibility dipping to alarming levels by 5:30 am.
Adding to the woes of commuters, the fog coincided with a sudden drop in temperatures across the region. Amritsar shivered at 7.4 degrees Celsius, while Sri-Ganganagar, Varanasi, and Patiala recorded minimum temperatures ranging between 9 and 11 degrees Celsius. Even Delhi and Bihar weren’t spared, with isolated pockets experiencing fog and minimum temperatures in the national capital dipping to 11.4 degrees Celsius.
Flight and train operations bore the brunt of the foggy conditions. Delays and cancellations plagued air travel, while train schedules were thrown off track due to reduced visibility. The dense fog also impacted road traffic, with drivers urged to exercise caution and use headlights on low beam.
While the fog is expected to lift later in the day, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of similar conditions persisting until Wednesday morning. The IMD has advised people to exercise caution while venturing outdoors and stay updated on weather advisories.
The sudden fog and temperature drop have brought fresh challenges for residents of North India, already grappling with the ongoing cold wave. With travel disruptions and the risk of accidents increasing, authorities are urging people to exercise caution and prioritize safety during this period.
Also Read: Passenger Detained in Bengaluru After “Bomb Joke” on Air India Flight
