New Delhi: Severe winter conditions continued to affect large parts of India on Monday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue multiple weather warnings, including a red alert for dense fog in Delhi-NCR and cold wave alerts for several northern states. Poor air quality levels were also reported from major metros, raising health and travel concerns.

Delhi:

Delhi and its adjoining regions woke up to very dense fog, with visibility dropping to near zero in several pockets during the early morning hours.

The thick fog severely disrupted road, rail, and air traffic, leading to delays and cancellations. The IMD said dense to very dense fog conditions are likely to persist during the night and early morning hours over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi till December 31, while similar conditions are expected in Himachal Pradesh till December 30.

North India:

Along with fog, cold wave conditions are prevailing across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, north Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh between December 28 and 30. Minimum temperatures in several regions have dipped below normal, intensifying the winter chill. The IMD has advised people to take precautions, particularly the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses.

In the national capital, air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ category, with stagnant weather conditions preventing the dispersion of pollutants. The combination of fog, calm winds and emissions from vehicles and other sources has worsened smog levels, leading authorities to urge residents to limit outdoor activities, especially during early mornings and late evenings.

Mumbai:

Meanwhile, Mumbai recorded ‘poor’ air quality, marking a concerning trend for India’s financial capital during the winter months. Health experts have cautioned vulnerable groups to avoid prolonged exposure and follow advisories as air pollution levels fluctuate.

East:
In eastern India, Kolkata and nearby districts experienced a sharp drop in temperature, with the maximum temperature plunging by over seven degrees Celsius to around 18 degrees. Persistent fog and cloud cover kept sunshine limited for most of the day. However, meteorologists said the cold spell in Bengal is likely to ease slightly from January 1, with temperatures expected to rise by 2–3 degrees Celsius.

North East:

Across northeastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, foggy conditions are likely to continue till January 1, while light to moderate fog is expected over parts of Jammu division and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal.

Bengaluru/Chennai:

In contrast, southern cities like Bengaluru are expected to see mostly clear skies, though fluctuating air quality levels remain a concern. The IMD has advised residents across regions affected by fog and cold waves to remain alert, follow travel advisories, and stay updated with official weather bulletins.

With winter conditions intensifying in the final days of the year, authorities have urged caution as dense fog, cold waves and air pollution continue to pose challenges across several parts of the country.