Heavy smog engulfs Delhi, 18 flights and 50 trains delayed

Several flights and trains were delayed on Wednesday after a heavy smog enveloped New Delhi making visibility almost minimal and bringing the morning traffic to a sluggish pace.

After experiencing pleasant conditions for the past few days, the weather in Delhi got colder with the minimum temperature falling sharply to 9.7 degree Celsius.

At least 18 flights and 50 trains are delayed.

"This is the season's first fog cover...the skies are expected to remain clear during the day and the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 28 degrees Celsius," the official said.

The minimum temperature was recorded at 11 degrees Celsius, a notch above the season's average According to railway officials, 50 Delhi-bound services from Patna, Ranchi, Howrah, Bhubaneswar and other places were affected due to the thick fog cover.

"The trains were running late between one to three hours," an official said.

Airlines have requested all passengers are requested to cross check their flight status before leaving for the airport.

Due to sudden drop in visibility because of fog in Delhi, our flights have been impacted leading to consequential delay.

— Vistara (@airvistara) November 30, 2016

#TravelUpdate: Due to poor visibility in fog at #Delhi, we’re expecting delays on all arrivals and departures from Delhi airport.

— Jet Airways (@jetairways) November 30, 2016

All passengers are requested to cross check their flight status before leaving for the airport. (2/2)

— SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) November 29, 2016

On Tuesday morning, the national capital recorded minimum temperature of 9.7 degree C, which is also the lowest temperature of the season so far.

The Met reports that with this development, not only wintry chill will make a comeback but pollution levels are also expected to spike.

However, the sudden change in weather conditions has also hit flights and trains as many of them have either cancelled or re-scheduled its services.

Fog sets in Noida. Can see nothing through. #densefog #fog #delhifog #noidafog #noida #weather pic.twitter.com/Ob6WTYqiEV

— Yuvika Mathur (@MathurYuvika) November 30, 2016

Makes sense to stay in bed and do a Koi Hai for more chai.#DelhiFog pic.twitter.com/w8PksffrDW

— RadhikaBudhwar (@RadhikaBudhwar) November 30, 2016

It's the first fog of the season! #Delhi #winter #office pic.twitter.com/rs6SpmfpfX

— Gargi Rawat (@GargiRawat) November 30, 2016

#delhifog #noidafog #densefog pic.twitter.com/LZvZFTCZnU

— Yuvika Mathur (@MathurYuvika) November 30, 2016