Dense Fog & Rain Hit Delhi: What You Need to Know

New Delhi — If your morning drive felt like crawling through a cloud this week, you’re not imagining things. Delhi’s been hit with dense fog, rain, and a serious drop in visibility — the kind that makes even the Metro feel like a warm option. With weather alerts issued across the NCR, daily routines from Kirti Nagar to Cyber Hub are being tossed around like umbrellas in a Connaught Place gust. So, what’s really going on in our skies?

Rain, Fog, and a Weather Rollercoaster

This week, a western disturbance sweeping across North India triggered unseasonal rain and hailstorms in Rajasthan — and Delhi didn’t escape the aftermath. As humid air collided with cooler layers above ground, visibility dropped drastically across NCR, prompting an orange alert from the IMD for dense fog. By Wednesday, commuters in areas like Lajpat Nagar and Rohini reported classic “zero-visibility” mornings, with cars inching forward, hazard lights blinking through soup-thick air.

The changing climate pattern is what’s driving this weird cocktail: warmer-than-usual surface temperatures meet cooler, moisture-laden winds post-hailstorm, resulting in fog banks and drizzle. What used to be a crisp January vibe has now turned into a soggy, slippery tale with delayed flights, traffic snarls, and irritated auto drivers trying not to hydroplane through puddles near Kashmere Gate.

The IMD warns the fog could persist for the next few days, especially during the morning and late-night hours. For context, an “orange alert” means the fog isn’t just spooky — it’s potentially dangerous. Expect delays, congestion, and keep the high beams off (seriously, they make things worse).

How It’s Messing With Daily Life

The fog and rain have crept into every aspect of city life. Metro stations like Rajiv Chowk and Huda City Centre are seeing longer-than-usual morning queues as many ditch two-wheelers for public transport. A Kirti Nagar college-goer told us via Instagram DMs that their 7:30AM lecture was nearly half empty: “Half of us were stuck waiting for Ubers that kept canceling,” she wrote.

Office-goers in Gurgaon are also facing the brunt. Residents report jammed traffic from IFFCO Chowk to MG Road, especially in early hours. “Crossing the road with all the fog, you can’t even see the divider anymore,” said a shopkeeper near Saket District Centre. On the family front, many schools across Delhi-NCR issued revised timings or went hybrid, asking children to stay home due to safety concerns.

Vendors in markets like Sarojini Nagar say footfall has dropped to mid-summer levels. “Only the most stubborn shoppers are turning up — and even they leave in 20 minutes flat,” a banta seller told us while wiping down his rain-soaked cart. The combination of fog and leftover rain translates to messy markets, slippery footpaths, and wet bundles of sweaters no one’s in the mood to try on.

This Isn’t Delhi’s First Fog Rodeo

Delhi winters and fog go hand-in-hand — but the intensity and timing this January is raising eyebrows. Historically, fog used to set in a bit later in the winter cycle, often post mid-January. This year, it came early and thick, likely accelerated by rain and wind shifts linked to climate anomalies.

The last time the city saw comparable conditions was in January 2017, when back-to-back western disturbances led to similar disruptions. However, meteorologists now warn that such events could become more frequent, not less. Cities like Lucknow and Varanasi are already seeing a parallel pattern, with similar visibility issues and road advisories.

Also worth noting: while the fog seems cozy when you’re sipping chai indoors, it’s a logistical nightmare for roadways and aviation. Over 100 flights were delayed at Delhi Airport this week — a stark reminder that even the capital’s most well-oiled systems can’t outsmart nature.

So, What Should You Do If You’re in Delhi?

Skip the early commute if you can. Peak fog hits between 5AM and 10AM. Shift plans to late morning if you have the flexibility.
Go easy on transport apps. Expect surge pricing and cancellations; check DMRC announcements for any Metro delays before stepping out.
Layer smart, not heavy. With the moisture hanging in the air, heavy wool gets damp fast. Choose thermal inners and water-resistant jackets instead.

📍 Spot Check: Visibility near the Yamuna Bank Metro Station was reportedly below 20 meters on Tuesday morning. Shoppers at Janpath struggled to navigate soggy footpaths as stalls remained half-shuttered. Even the usually bustling NSIT-ChanakyaPuri bus route saw a 50% drop in frequency, according to local commuters.

The Final Word

The only thing predictable about Delhi weather right now is its unpredictability. From blinding fog to annoying drizzle, we’re getting all the atmospheric drama — minus any warning. While it adds a winter aesthetic that looks great on Instagram Stories, it’s also a real challenge for students, workers, and vendors trying to keep routine intact.