Coldest December 22 in Delhi in 5 years, mercury drops to 4.2 degree Celcius

NEW DELHI: It was the coldest December 22 in the last five years with mercury dropping to the season's lowest of 4.2 degree Celsius in national capital today, even as a thick blanket of fog severely hit flight and train operations besides affecting vehicular movement.

According to the MeT department, the minimum temperature was four notches below normal and dropped 2.2 degrees from yesterday's 6.4 degrees Celsius.

The maximum temperature was recorded at 15.8 degree Celsius, which too was six degrees below normal.

As many as 173 flights were delayed and around 70 north-bound trains were affected as dense fog stalled operations at the airport and railway stations -- the first major disruption this winter season.

"The minimum temperature was recorded at 4.2 degree Celsius. Today is the coldest December 22 in the last five years. It is also the coldest day of this season," said a MeT official.

In the morning, dense fog enveloped the city with visibility dropping to zero in the early hours. However, visibility improved to 150 metres by 9 AM.

Around 70 north-bound trains, including Rajdhani Express coming from Kolkata, Ranchi, Bhubneshwar, Sealdah, Magadh. Lichhvih and Purshuttom Express were running late by several hours due to the dense fog.

Traffic moved slowly due to foggy conditions and there were traffic jams in several areas.