Dense fog blankets Delhi-NCR as winter tightens grip on the capital

What happened: Dense fog and biting cold enveloped Delhi-NCR early Tuesday, sharply reducing visibility across multiple zones.

Why it matters now: The fog surge comes amid Republic Day parade rehearsals on Kartavya Path, raising safety and traffic concerns.

What changes for people: Commuters, flyers, and train passengers face delays, while health risks rise for the elderly and children.

Who is affected: Residents across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad, along with essential services and security agencies.

Delhi woke to a winter morning marked by near-zero visibility in pockets, forcing authorities to closely monitor roads, airports, and rail corridors. The cold spell has intensified after a weekend dip, underscoring how quickly conditions can turn disruptive during North India’s peak winter.

Temperatures slide, visibility drops

According to India Meteorological Department officials, the minimum temperature slipped to around 5 degrees Celsius over recent days, with light rainfall reported in parts of the city on Saturday. Weather experts say the combination of high moisture, calm winds, and overnight cooling created ideal conditions for dense fog formation.

Meteorologists caution that early morning visibility may remain severely restricted on select days this week, especially in low-lying and traffic-heavy stretches.

Travel and public safety under strain

The fog has immediate implications for road safety. Traffic police advisories urge motorists to drive slowly, use fog lamps, and avoid sudden lane changes during low-visibility hours.

At Indira Gandhi International Airport, airlines have activated low-visibility procedures when required, while rail authorities are tracking fog-related delays on northbound routes. Officials stress that schedules may normalize by late morning as sunlight improves conditions.

Republic Day rehearsals continue amid precautions

With rehearsals for the 77th Republic Day parade underway on Kartavya Path, security agencies and civic bodies are coordinating to ensure crowd safety, traffic diversions, and medical readiness. Authorities say contingency plans are in place to adjust timings if visibility worsens.

Health advisories for vulnerable groups

Doctors recommend extra care for children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions. Prolonged exposure to cold and fog can aggravate breathing issues. Health departments advise limiting outdoor activity during early mornings and evenings, staying hydrated, and keeping warm.

What officials are saying

Weather officials reiterate that winter fog is typical for this period but emphasize vigilance during dense fog alerts. Transport authorities say they are coordinating with enforcement teams to manage bottlenecks and respond quickly to incidents.