Delhi: The national capital on Tuesday reported the minimum temperature of 3.5 degree Celsius, 4.1 degree below the average for the season, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
#WATCH | People sit around the bonfire to keep themselves warm as the cold wave continues in Delhi
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As per the IMD, Safdurjung, Delhi’s base station witnessed the minimum temperature of 3.5 degree Celsius at 8:30 in the morning.
Read More: Dense Fog Engulf Delhi, Airport Visibility Turned 0, Temp At 5.4 Degree Celsius
“However, the visibility at Delhi’s Palam and Safdurjung Airports dipped to 500 m visibilities at 5:30 am on January 16”, the weather department said.
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport is grappling with intense visibility issues as dense fog blankets the area since 7:30 am on January 15th. The conditions have led to virtually zero visibility, posing significant challenges for air travel and airport operations, as per IMD.
RVR Conditions in Cat IIIB Range At Delhi Airports
Reports indicate that the Runway Visual Range (RVR) conditions at IGI Airport are currently in the range of 100 to 150 meters, falling within Category IIIB. This classification signifies extremely low visibility levels, emphasizing the severity of the fog-related disruptions.
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Impact on Flight Operations In Delhi
The dense fog has resulted in a cascade of challenges for flight operations at IGI Airport. Pilots and air traffic controllers are navigating through the adverse weather conditions, impacting schedules and causing delays as safety precautions take precedence.
Widespread Dense Fog Grips Northern and Eastern India:
A thick layer of dense fog has settled over a vast expanse from Punjab to northeast India, affecting regions including Haryana, North Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. The meteorological phenomenon, observed as early as 0530 hrs IST, has created challenging conditions for residents and travelers alike. Satellite imagery attached to the report illustrates patches of fog along the east coast, indicating the widespread nature of this weather event. Notably, airport visibility data reveals severe conditions, with key airports such as Varanasi, Agra, Gwalior, Jammu, Pathankot, Chandigarh, Gaya, Prayagraj, Tejpur, Agartala, Vijaywada, Bagdogra, Amritsar, and Gorakhpur reporting near-zero visibility. The varied visibility levels pose significant challenges for air travel and ground transportation, demanding immediate attention and precautionary measures.
Immediate Impact on Travel and Varied Visibility Levels:
As the dense fog persists, the immediate impact on air travel schedules becomes evident. Major airports like Varanasi, Agra, and Gwalior report zero-meter visibility, emphasizing the severity of the situation. With differing visibility levels at other airports, such as Gaya (20m), Prayagraj (50m), Tejpur (50m), Agartala (100m), Vijaywada (100m), Bagdogra (100m), Amritsar (200m), and Gorakhpur (300m), managing air traffic becomes increasingly complex. Passengers are likely to experience delays and disruptions, necessitating real-time updates from airlines and airport authorities. Continued monitoring of visibility conditions is crucial as the dense fog persists, ensuring that both passengers and transportation services remain informed and adapt to the evolving weather patterns.
