Dense Fog To Impact New Year Festivities In Delhi: Light Rain May Follow Later
Key Takeaways
- Dense fog is likely to disrupt road, rail and air traffic across Delhi during New Year’s Eve.
- Low winds and high humidity will favour poor visibility during night and early morning hours.
- Minimum temperature is expected to stay around 8°C with enhanced chill due to moisture and breeze.
- Light drizzle may occur in isolated pockets during early hours of January 1, followed by clearing later in the day.
Winter at its peak in Delhi during New Year’s Eve always carries the risk of impinging on festivities. Multiple hazards like clouds, dense fog, bitter chill and even rain become possibilities. More than one factor joining hands together always remains an outside chance to dampen the rejoicing of the annual event. This year, thick fog may act as the villain, slowing down the wheels on the roads.
The national capital has been struggling with foggy conditions impacting rail, road and air traffic. An envelope of dense fog descended yet again and covered most parts of Delhi last night. Poor visibility continued during the early morning hours and started easing out marginally in the early forenoon. These conditions are likely to become critical again in the late evening and night. Repeat action is expected on New Year’s Eve as well.
A western disturbance is moving across the mountains of North India. Winds in the lower levels have slowed down, restricting the dispersion of pollutants and moisture. The presence of clouds in the neighbourhood will obstruct radiational cooling and arrest a sharp drop in night temperatures. The minimum temperature is likely to hover around 8°C, with a marginal variation of ±1°C. High humidity and nocturnal breeze are likely to add to the chill factor during evening and night hours. The trio of humidity, winds and temperature will remain conducive for dense fog formation as the night progresses. Poor visibility will put brakes on speed and make transportation a tough nut to crack.
After the overnight festivities of New Year’s Eve, there is a likelihood of very light sprinkling in some pockets. Patchy drizzle or mild rainfall is expected in the wee hours of 01 January 2026. This will be a short spell, with broad clearance expected later the same day during evening hours. Passage of this disturbance may subsequently lead to a drop in mercury levels and an increase in the intensity and spread of fog across Delhi/NCR.
