A dense blanket of fog has enveloped Delhi and several parts of north India, severely affecting daily life, transportation and safety, as winter tightens its grip on the region. The weather update on December 24, 2025, highlights how plunging temperatures combined with stagnant atmospheric conditions have resulted in low visibility, leading to widespread disruptions at airports, on highways and across city roads.

The situation has become particularly challenging as these foggy conditions have arrived alongside already poor air quality, compounding the difficulties faced by commuters, travellers and residents. With visibility dropping to dangerously low levels in many areas, authorities and transport operators have issued multiple advisories, urging people to remain cautious.

Dense fog engulfs Delhi and north India

The national capital, Delhi, woke up to thick fog that significantly reduced visibility across the city. Similar conditions were reported from several parts of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, indicating a widespread weather phenomenon across the northern plains.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that dense to very dense fog is likely to prevail across large parts of north India until December 27, warning that mornings and late nights will remain particularly affected. According to meteorologists, calm winds, high moisture levels and falling temperatures have created ideal conditions for fog formation.

In many areas, visibility dropped to a few tens of metres, making driving hazardous and slowing down traffic across highways and urban roads.

Impact on air travel: Flights delayed and cancelled

One of the most visible impacts of the fog has been on air travel, especially at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi, one of the busiest airports in the country.

On Tuesday alone, at least 10 flights were cancelled, while more than 270 flights were delayed due to fog and low visibility conditions. Aircraft movements were slowed as pilots followed Low Visibility Procedures (LVPs), which are activated when runway visibility falls below safe thresholds.

In response, Delhi’s IGI Airport issued an advisory, informing passengers about the prevailing conditions and urging them to stay updated with their airlines before heading to the airport.

The advisory stated that while flight operations were continuing, low visibility procedures were in progress, and passengers should expect possible delays. Travellers were advised to plan their journeys accordingly and allow extra time for airport formalities.

SpiceJet issues travel advisory

Adding to the warnings, SpiceJet airline issued a detailed travel advisory for passengers flying to and from north Indian cities. The airline cautioned that departures, arrivals and consequential flights could be affected due to poor visibility caused by dense fog.

According to SpiceJet, airports that may face disruptions include Delhi, Amritsar, Jammu, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Darbhanga, Patna, Guwahati and Bagdogra. Passengers were requested to regularly check their flight status before leaving for the airport.

The advisory reflects the broader impact of winter fog on aviation across the Indo-Gangetic plains, where fog-related delays are common during December and January.

Rail and road transport also affected

While air travel grabbed attention due to large-scale delays, road and rail transport were equally impacted. Dense fog reduced visibility on highways, arterial roads and city streets, slowing down traffic and increasing the risk of accidents.

Several train services across north India also experienced delays, as railway authorities imposed speed restrictions to ensure passenger safety under low-visibility conditions.

Commuters in Delhi reported longer travel times during morning hours, with vehicles moving cautiously through fog-covered roads. Traffic police advised motorists to use fog lights, maintain safe distances and avoid unnecessary travel during early hours.

Fatal accidents highlight dangers of fog

The dangers posed by dense fog were tragically highlighted by fatal road accidents reported from different parts of north India.

On the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida, two individuals, including a woman, lost their lives in separate incidents. Both victims were riding motorcycles and were reportedly hit by unidentified vehicles amid extremely low visibility caused by dense fog.

In another incident, a multiple-vehicle collision in Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi district claimed two lives. The accident involved six vehicles and occurred near an underpass in the Musafirkhana police station area. Heavy fog was cited as a major contributing factor, as drivers struggled to see vehicles ahead.

These incidents underline the serious safety risks associated with winter fog, especially on high-speed corridors and poorly lit stretches of road.

IMD forecast: Fog to persist till December 27

According to the India Meteorological Department, the foggy conditions are expected to persist for several more days. The IMD forecast indicates that dense to very dense fog will continue to affect north India, particularly during night and early morning hours.

Meteorologists explained that the absence of strong winds and limited atmospheric movement are preventing pollutants and moisture from dispersing. This has led to a combination of fog and smog, often referred to as “grey air,” which further reduces visibility.

The IMD has advised residents to stay alert, follow official advisories and take necessary precautions while travelling.

Poor air quality worsens the situation

Adding to the weather woes, Delhi’s air quality remains in the ‘severe’ category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring above 400 in many areas. Despite government-imposed curbs and restrictions, there has been no significant improvement in air quality.

Out of 40 air quality monitoring stations in the capital, 28 continue to record AQI levels above 400, indicating hazardous conditions for public health. The combination of dense fog and toxic air has created extremely challenging conditions, particularly for children, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments.

Experts note that fog often traps pollutants close to the ground, worsening air quality and increasing health risks.

Challenges for commuters and daily life

For daily commuters, the dense fog has meant longer travel times, increased stress and safety concerns. Office-goers, school buses and delivery services have all been affected, with many people leaving earlier than usual to compensate for delays.

Ride-hailing services reported slower movement and higher demand during peak hours, while several schools advised parents to ensure children were dressed warmly and transported safely.

The foggy conditions have also affected visibility at pedestrian crossings, increasing the risk for walkers and cyclists navigating busy roads.

Authorities urge caution and preparedness

In light of the prevailing conditions, authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution and adhere strictly to safety guidelines. Traffic police across north Indian states have issued advisories recommending the use of fog lights, reduced speed and avoidance of sudden braking.

Health experts have also advised people to limit outdoor activities, especially during early mornings, due to the combined impact of fog and severe air pollution.

Airlines, airports and railway authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with contingency plans in place to manage delays and ensure passenger safety.

Winter fog: A recurring challenge

Dense fog is a recurring winter phenomenon across north India, particularly in December and January. The flat terrain of the Indo-Gangetic plains, combined with high humidity and low temperatures, makes the region especially prone to fog formation.

Every year, fog disrupts transport networks, causes accidents and affects economic activity. While technological advancements such as improved landing systems at airports have reduced cancellations, delays remain unavoidable during severe fog spells.

Looking ahead

With the IMD predicting continued fog until at least December 27, residents of Delhi and north India should brace for ongoing disruptions. Travellers are advised to stay updated with official advisories, plan journeys carefully and prioritise safety over speed.

As winter progresses, authorities may introduce additional measures to manage traffic, pollution and public safety. Until then, the dense fog episode serves as a reminder of the complex challenges posed by seasonal weather patterns in north India.

In conclusion, the dense fog enveloping Delhi and parts of north India has significantly disrupted flights, road travel and daily routines, while also exposing the dangers of low visibility and poor air quality. With advisories in place and more foggy days ahead, caution, preparedness and awareness remain crucial for navigating this difficult winter phase.

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