NEW DELHI: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued a red alert for the next four days in northern India due to the prevailing chilly winter and dense fog.
Dense to very dense fog is expected in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi until January 28, said the daily bulletin of the Met department. Additionally, isolated pockets of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Uttarakhand are also likely to experience dense fog during this period.
The weather agency further predicted light rainfall or snowfall over the western Himalayan Region from January 25-28.
On Wednesday, cold wave conditions gripped parts of Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab, UP, and Rajasthan, resulting in low to zero visibility in most areas. Similar weather conditions are expected to persist in the coming four days.
In response to the prevailing conditions, the weather agency has issued a ‘red alert’ for Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and UP indicating a severe cold wave on Wednesday.
An ‘orange alert’ has also been issued for these areas from January 25-27.
The intense dip in temperatures may disrupt transportation and aviation in these regions, as stated by IMD.
Already, more than 150 flights have been delayed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport due to dense fog. The ongoing restrictions on flights ahead of Republic Day have further complicated air traffic.
(With inputs from agencies)