File photo

NEW DELHI, Jan 13, 2024 (BSS) - The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has
issued a red alert due to cold and dense fog conditions as Delhi and the
National Capital Region (NCR) were recorded the coldest night for a second
consecutive day in the winter with minimum temperature dipping to three
degree Celsius.

The department has recorded the lowest temperature with three degree Celsius
in Aya Nagar, the last village of Delhi on the Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road this
morning, the IMD said. It also recorded the minimum temperature at 3.9
degree Celsius on Friday night which is three degree below the seasonal
average.

According to media reports, more than 100 flights to and from Indira Gandhi
International Airport in Delhi and 18 Delhi-bound trains have been delayed
due to "dense and very dense fog" in Delhi and several parts of the country
on Friday morning. The IMD has placed an "Yellow" alert on Saturday and
Sunday of dense fog, reports said.

The IMD said "cold" to "severe cold day" conditions continued at many places
over Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan due to very
dense fog at many places, severely affecting normal lives.

Besides, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are also
grappling with isolated instances of dense fog, creating challenging
conditions for residents.

Delhi continued to shiver today morning (Saturday) under the grasp of a
relentless coldwave, accompanied by a thick layer of fog that has disrupted
daily life for residents and commuters alike. To combat the bone-chilling
temperatures, streets and public spaces became dotted with small groups
huddled together around bonfires to keep warm, reports said.

NDTV today reported that a Guwahati-bound IndiGo flight from Mumbai forced to
land in Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Friday night due
to low visibility caused by dense fog at the Guwahati airport.

However, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 365 at 9 am, according to
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. An AQI between zero and 50 is
considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and
300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

The IMD said red alert has been issued in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh and
yellow alert, in view of cold and foggy conditions, has also been issued in
Rajasthan.