NEW DELHI: As Delhi enters the New Year, residents are bracing for a mix of cold weather and dense fog. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert due to thick fog blanketing the region, resulting in low visibility and disruptions in flight schedules.

On the final day of 2024, parts of Delhi experienced a cold day with maximum temperatures at Safdarjung dipping to 17.7 degrees Celsius, which was three degrees below normal. Maximum temperatures at other stations, such as Narela, reached lows of just 14.3 degrees Celsius, defining a 'severe cold day' according to IMD standards. This classification occurs when the maximum temperature deviates by over 6.5 degrees from normal conditions (Times of India).

The arrival of 2025 is anticipated to witness a slight improvement in weather, with the maximum temperatures projected to rise over the next couple of days. IMD forecasts that the temperatures may range between 17 and 8 degrees Celsius, with further improvements expected as a western disturbance influences the region from January 2-3. However, currently, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has worsened, marking an unhealthy level of 283 in the poor category on Tuesday, significantly impacting air quality as winter rains intensify cold conditions.

Additionally, the city's cold wave coupled with recent rainfall has made December 2024 record the lowest mean maximum temperature at 22.8 degrees Celsius in three years. Weather experts predict that shallow to moderate fog will continue to persist, particularly during early mornings, further aggravating cold conditions. Enhanced caution is advised for travelers, especially those flying, as air traffic may be disrupted due to reduced visibility caused by the fog.

While a cold wave's potential impact is minimal for the beginning of January, the IMD’s predictions suggest fluctuations in temperatures, allowing for warmer air to seep in over time. Residents are urged to stay updated with the latest weather alerts to ensure safety and preparedness.