An extreme cold wave persisted across North India on Friday morning, with Delhi and its surrounding areas experiencing dense fog that drastically reduced visibility. The National Capital Region (NCR) marked its fifth consecutive day of cold wave conditions, accompanied by a significant drop in maximum temperatures.

The heavy fog disrupted traffic across the city, making commuting difficult. At Delhi airport, visibility dropped to just 50 meters, while runway visibility fell to zero around 7 a.m., raising concerns about flight operations. Authorities issued an advisory, stating, “While landings and take-offs are continuing at Delhi Airport, flights that are not equipped with CAT III (low-visibility landing systems) may be affected. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for updated flight information.”

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Delhi, forecasting "dense to very dense fog" and predicting a partly cloudy sky later in the day.

In nearby Noida, the ongoing cold wave prompted the closure of schools for students up to Class 8 until further notice. The IMD has predicted a minimum temperature of 8°C in Noida on Friday.

Severe cold wave conditions and dense fog were also reported in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Bihar. In Bihar, where the minimum temperature in several areas, including Patna, is expected to range between 6°C and 11°C over the next few days, the government has revised school timings. All schools will now operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until January 6.

In Rajasthan, Fatehpur in the Sikar district recorded the state’s lowest temperature in the last 24 hours, at 3.6°C.

The biting cold and thick fog continue to pose challenges across northern India, with authorities urging residents to take precautions to stay safe.