India: Transport disruptions due to poor weather in Delhi (NCR) December 30

Event

Authorities at Delhi's International Airport (DEL) confirmed at 08:30 (local time) on Monday, December 30, that low visibility due to severe fog was affecting flight operations. Several flights have been delayed or canceled on Monday. Airport officials have advised potentially affected travelers to contact their airline for more information. At least 30 trains were reportedly delayed in the Northern Railway zone on Monday morning due to fog. Unconfirmed reports indicate that six people died in a car crash in Uttar Pradesh on Monday morning, which local police attribute to low visibility conditions.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued orange weather warnings (second-highest on a four-tier) scale for several northern states on Monday, forecasting cold to severe cold and low visibility conditions. It expects the cold to impact parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, West Madhya Pradesh, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Odisha, and Jharkhand, while dense to very dense fog is forecast to affect Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, north Rajasthan, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, north Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. The IMD forecasts similar conditions, as well as hail and lightning to affect northern states through Tuesday, December 31. 

Associated transportation and business disruptions are anticipated in the coming hours and days.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm road conditions and flight status before setting out, contact your airline for more information, anticipate transportation and business disruptions, avoid prolonged exposure to outdoor temperatures, and keep sufficient food, water, and warm clothing if driving in the region. Individuals are advised to and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.