New Delhi, December 27, 2025 – A thick layer of dense to very dense fog continues to wreak havoc across northern and eastern India, turning mornings into near-darkness and severely disrupting travel and daily life. From the national capital Delhi-NCR to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, visibility has plummeted to near-zero levels in many areas, leading to widespread delays in flights, trains, and road traffic.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that this persistent fog, combined with cold day conditions and biting northerly winds, will dominate the region right up to New Year’s Day, with little immediate relief in sight.
Current Impact and Alerts
- Delhi-NCR: Moderate to dense fog in mornings, with shallow fog persisting. Yellow alerts issued; visibility often below 200 meters at airports like IGI.
- Uttar Pradesh: Dense to very dense fog in many parts, especially eastern UP. Red and orange alerts for severe cold days in pockets.
- Bihar: Dense fog prevailing, with cold day conditions in isolated areas. Visibility frequently under 50 meters in Patna and other cities.
Highways are hazardous, with accidents reported due to low visibility. Over 200 flights delayed or diverted at Delhi airport in recent days, while numerous trains are running hours late.
Weather Forecast Until New Year’s Day (January 1, 2026)
According to the latest IMD press release (dated December 26, 2025):
- Dense to very dense fog likely during night and morning hours:
- Uttar Pradesh: In some/many parts till January 1, 2026 – the longest duration among affected states.
- Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh (including Delhi-NCR): Till January 1, 2026.
- Bihar: Till December 28-29, easing to isolated dense fog thereafter.
- Other areas like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand: Till December 30-31.
- Cold day conditions: Isolated pockets in Bihar (till Dec 30), East UP (Dec 28), West UP (Dec 26-27), and Uttarakhand (Dec 26-28).
- A feeble Western Disturbance may bring light rain/snow to Western Himalayas from Dec 29 to Jan 1, potentially slightly disrupting fog patterns but reinforcing cold winds initially.
- No major relief expected before early January 2026; fog may linger in isolated pockets even after New Year, though intensity could reduce gradually.
Temperatures remain 2-5°C below normal in plains, with minimums dipping to 5-8°C in Delhi and similar in UP/Bihar. Daytime highs struggle due to fog blocking sunlight.
Travel and Health Advisory
- Trains & Flights: Expect delays; check NTES or airport apps.
- Roads: Avoid travel during peak fog hours (midnight to 10 AM); use fog lights.
- Health: Vulnerable groups at risk of respiratory issues and hypothermia.
As the year ends, this prolonged fog spell serves as a stark reminder of winter’s grip on the Indo-Gangetic plains. Stay updated via mausam.imd.gov.in for real-time alerts. Here’s hoping for clearer skies in the New Year!