Dense fog disrupts flight and train operations in North India

Dense fog has blanketed North India, causing significant disruptions in train and flight operations. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday that a thick fog layer extends from Punjab to the northeastern regions, impacting states like Haryana, North Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. Pockets of fog have also been identified along the east coast of India.

The IMD forecasts that cold to severe cold day conditions will persist over the plains of North India until tomorrow. Specifically, these conditions are expected in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. Cold wave conditions are likely to prevail over Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh until tomorrow, with the possibility of ground frost in isolated places in Uttarakhand. Additionally, the IMD predicts an isolated hailstorm in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim tomorrow.

Meanwhile, dense to very dense fog is expected to continue over parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar for the next two days. Similar foggy conditions are anticipated in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and North East India during this period.

The IMD predicts that the minimum temperature in Northwest India will increase by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the next four days. However, there is no significant change expected in minimum temperatures over East India until tomorrow, with a subsequent rise of 3 to 4 degrees Celsius.

Additionally, the IMD anticipates light rain and snowfall over parts of Jammu Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand for the next two days. Moreover, light to moderate rainfall is expected over parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, and Northeast India during the next three days.

In response to the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued directives to airlines to provide accurate real-time information regarding flight delays to affected passengers. Mandatory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been imposed on airlines to ensure prompt notification of delays through their websites, direct messaging, and airport bulletins. Airlines are also encouraged to sensitize their staff for effective communication, guidance, and information dissemination about flight delays.

The DGCA has granted airlines the authority to potentially cancel any anticipated or consequentially delayed flights beyond three hours due to adverse weather conditions. This measure aims to prevent congestion and mitigate passenger inconvenience.