Dense fog disrupts Delhi: 51 train delays, several flights re-scheduled

51 trains delayed, several flights re-scheduled due to dense fog in Delhi

Due to dense fog that blanketed the national capital on Sunday morning, visibility was reduced to zero, leading to delays in 51 trains and the rescheduling of several flights, according to officials.

"Zero visibility prevailed over Palam from 4 AM to 7.30 AM IST, accompanied by easterly winds at 8-13 kmph," an IMD official said.

"Compared to Saturday's 9-hour zero visibility spell, Palam experienced a relatively shorter duration of 3.5 hours of zero visibility on Sunday," the official added.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the maximum temperature in the city reached 18.6°C, which is 0.7°C lower than the average, while the minimum temperature was 9.4°C.

The relative humidity during the day ranged between 83 and 95 per cent, it said.

The weather department has forecasted a generally cloudy sky for Monday, with light rain and thunderstorms expected in the morning.

Surface winds are anticipated to come from the southeast at speeds of less than 4 km/h during the morning. Smog and moderate fog are likely across most areas, with dense fog in some places.

In the afternoon, the wind speed is expected to increase to 6-8 km/h from the southeast, before reducing to below 6 km/h from the northwest in the evening and night. Smog or shallow fog may occur in the evening and night, according to the forecast.

The maximum and minimum temperatures in Delhi are expected to be around 18°C and 11°C, respectively.

Meanwhile, the city's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category, with the 24-hour average AQI recorded at 339, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The AQI scale ranges from 0-50 (good), 51-100 (satisfactory), 101-200 (moderate), 201-300 (poor), 301-400 (very poor), and 401-500 (severe).