A thick blanket of dense fog combined with an intense cold wave has swept across North India, severely disrupting daily life and raising widespread public-health concerns. Major cities, including Delhi, Lucknow, Amritsar, and Jaipur, reported extremely low visibility, causing significant travel delays across airports, highways, and railway routes. Hundreds of flights and trains experienced disruptions, while road travel slowed to a crawl as commuters navigated through near-zero visibility conditions.
Meteorological officials warn that the coexistence of “smog + cold” conditions is creating a hazardous environment, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens, and those with respiratory illnesses. The stagnant cold air is trapping pollutants close to the surface, worsening air-quality levels already in the “poor” to “severe” category in several regions. Doctors are urging people to limit outdoor exposure, wear protective masks, and use air purifiers indoors where possible.
The cold wave has also intensified health risks such as hypothermia, frostbite in northern hill regions, and rising cases of cough, throat infections, and breathing difficulties. Homeless populations remain especially at risk, prompting state authorities to increase night-shelter facilities and distribute blankets across affected districts.
Meanwhile, schools in many states have extended winter vacations or shifted to online classes due to unsafe weather conditions. Farmers are also reporting damage to early crops, adding economic pressure to the severe weather impact.
As temperatures continue to drop and fog is expected to persist in the coming days, authorities are advising the public to take extra precautions, follow weather advisories, and avoid non-essential travel whenever possible.
