Dense fog engulfed Delhi and neighbouring areas on Monday morning, reducing visibility to 25 metres in some parts of the national capital, PTI reported. The fog disrupted traffic and led to a road accident in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao where four persons died.
Many parts of northern India are currently facing a severe cold wave, which occurs when the minimum temperature drops to 2 degrees Celsius or the departure from the normal temperature is more than 6.4 degrees Celsius.
For five consecutive days, Delhi has recorded a minimum temperature lower than that of most places in the hill states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, according to PTI. On Sunday, Delhi had recorded a minimum temperature of 1.9 degrees Celsius, the lowest in January in two years.
On Monday, 267 trains were delayed due to bad weather, a railway official said. The dense fog delayed 30 flights and five were diverted.
IndiGo issued a travel advisory about the fog and advised passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport.
Meanwhile, the Delhi government’s Directorate of Education on Sunday directed all private schools to remain closed till January 15 on account of the cold wave. Schools run by the Delhi government will also remain shut till that date.
The education body also told government-run schools to suspend remedial classes for students from classes 9 to 12 with immediate effect.
“However, work of conduct of Practical Examination/ Project Assessment/ Internal Assessment for classes X and XII for session 2022-23 will continue as per schedule provided by CBSE [Central Board of Secondary Education]” it added.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!