Severe Cold Wave Grips North India: Dense Fog Disrupts Flights, Toxic Smog Chokes Delhi-NCR
Severe Cold Grips North India; 129 Flights Cancelled in Delhi, Snowfall Likely in Hills: North India continues to reel under a severe cold wave as icy winds, dense fog, and plummeting temperatures disrupted normal life across the region on Saturday. From the Himalayan states to the plains, chilling conditions caused widespread inconvenience, severely affecting road, rail, and air traffic.
Dense fog during morning and night hours led to extremely poor visibility, forcing vehicles to crawl on roads and triggering large-scale disruption at airports. In Delhi alone, a total of 129 flights were cancelled at Indira Gandhi International Airport, including 63 departures and 66 arrivals. Aviation authorities and airlines issued advisories, urging passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport.
The cold wave coincided with worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR, where toxic smog added to the crisis. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 398 at 4 pm on Saturday, falling in the “very poor” category. Noida recorded the worst air quality with an AQI of 401, classified as “severe.” Gurugram (362), Ghaziabad (361), and Greater Noida (344) also reported alarming pollution levels. Several areas in Delhi recorded severe AQI readings, including Sarai Kale Khan (428), Akshardham (420), and Rao Tula Ram Marg (403).
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for severe cold in the national capital, warning that fog and low temperatures may persist until December 22. A yellow alert has also been issued for fog on Monday, with limited sunshine expected due to cloud cover.
In Uttar Pradesh, conditions were even more severe, with the IMD issuing a red alert for dense fog and cold weather. Visibility dropped to zero in cities such as Ghaziabad, Kanpur, Agra, and Prayagraj, while it fell below 50 meters in Bareilly and Jhansi, posing serious risks to commuters.
Meanwhile, the harsh winter period known as Chillai Kalan began in Kashmir on Sunday, marking the onset of the region’s coldest 40 days. Temperatures in Srinagar remained below zero, while snowfall is expected across Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh over the next few days. Heavy snowfall is likely in parts of Kashmir and Ladakh, with light to moderate rain and snow forecast in Himachal Pradesh, including high-altitude areas of Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti.
Amid the worsening conditions, IndiGo Airlines issued a travel advisory warning passengers of dense fog in Delhi and parts of North India, which could lead to delays or rescheduling of flights. The airline said its operations teams are closely monitoring weather conditions and reiterated that passenger safety remains its top priority. Travelers have been advised to check flight updates and use rebooking or refund options if affected.
With cold, fog, pollution, and snowfall converging, authorities have urged people to remain cautious, limit outdoor activities, and follow weather and travel advisories closely.
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