Intense cold grips Jammu, disrupts air and rail operations

Jammu is in the grip of an intense cold wave as temperatures plunge to 8 degrees below normal, marking a significant decline over the last three days. The region is grappling with dense fog, impacting both air and train operations in the past 24 hours.

Jammu Airport witnessed the cancellation of six flights within the last day due to the prevailing fog. Four IndiGo flights (Delhi-Jammu-Srinagar, Srinagar-Jammu-Mumbai, Srinagar-Jammu-Delhi, Delhi-Jammu-Srinagar) and two Air India flights (Delhi-Jammu-Srinagar and Srinagar-Jammu-Delhi) were among those affected. Additionally, five flights, including three IndiGo and two SpiceJet flights, faced delays as the fog cover persisted. The operational visibility at Jammu Airport is currently around 800 meters, close to half of the required visibility. SpiceJet issued a statement warning travellers about expected poor visibility at various airports, including Jammu, which could impact departures and arrivals.

At Jammu Railway Station, one train was cancelled, and 10 trains faced delays. Puja Express and Jhelum arrived four hours late, Shalimar Express and Shri Shakti faced three-hour delays, while Malwa Express, Swaraj, and Tata Muri were delayed by two hours. Uttar Sampark Kranti, Hemkund, and Jammu Mail arrived one hour behind schedule. The Andaman Express (16032) was cancelled at Jammu Station due to dense fog, according to Northern Railway.

The weather department predicts dry conditions until January 24th, with a brief episode of cloudiness on the evening of the 20th. From January 25th-26th, generally cloudy skies with light snowfall at isolated higher elevations are anticipated. Subsequently, on January 27th-28th, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy, accompanied by light rain or snow scattered across various locations. Towards January 29th-31st, there is a likelihood of light to moderate rain or snow in many places. Additionally, the plains of Jammu Division may experience moderate to dense fog over the next two days, coupled with a decline in daytime temperatures, as per the Weather Department.