The year-end festivities have been met with a harsh climatic shift. According to the IMD’s latest bulletin issued on Thursday, December 25, 2025, more than 15 states are currently grappling with dense to very dense fog. Visibility in several pockets of Punjab, Haryana, and West Uttar Pradesh dropped to near-zero ($<50$ meters) during the early morning hours, leading to significant disruptions in daily life.
The Cold Wave Grip
A "Cold Wave" occurs when the minimum temperature drops significantly below the seasonal average. The IMD has forecast these conditions to persist in isolated pockets of:
- Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh
- Rajasthan and Jharkhand
- Chhattisgarh
In states like Bihar and East Uttar Pradesh, "Severe Cold Day" conditions are prevailing. Unlike a cold wave, which focuses on night temperatures, a "Cold Day" is characterized by daytime temperatures remaining markedly low due to persistent fog cover that prevents sunlight from reaching the ground.
Impact on Transport and Aviation
The "Gray Blanket" has hit the transport sector hardest. At Delhi’s IGI Airport, over 100 flights faced delays or diversions this morning as visibility fluctuated between 50 and 150 meters. Similarly, Indian Railways reported that more than 35 long-distance trains were running late by over three hours on the North-bound routes. Authorities have urged commuters to use fog lights and exercise extreme caution on major expressways like the Yamuna Expressway and NH-44, where the risk of pile-ups is highest during dawn.
Health and Safety Advisory
Health experts have warned that the combination of extreme cold and dense fog can exacerbate respiratory issues. The "toxic smog" in Delhi, with an AQI recorded at 355 (Very Poor) today, further complicates the health risk for children and the elderly. The IMD advises residents to stay hydrated, wear adequate layers, and avoid prolonged exposure during the peak fog hours between 2:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
