Delhi-NCR, UP Weather Update Today, 3 February: Dense Fog, Rain And Hail Prompt IMD Yellow, Orange Alerts

Severe winter conditions continue across large parts of north India as dense fog, cold temperatures, rain and hailstorms disrupt daily life in Delhi-NCR and Uttar Pradesh.

An active western disturbance has intensified weather activity, affecting visibility, transport services and agricultural operations. The India Meteorological Department has issued Yellow and Orange alerts, urging residents to remain cautious as conditions may change rapidly.

Delhi-NCR Weather Update: Key highlights

Major updates at a glance:

• Dense to very dense fog across Delhi-NCR during early morning hours
• Visibility dropped below 50 metres in several pockets
• Yellow Alert issued for fog-related disruptions
• Light drizzle possible, increasing the cold
• Temperatures to remain below normal levels

A thick blanket of fog covered Delhi-NCR on Tuesday morning, severely affecting visibility across the region. Border areas of Delhi, Ghaziabad and Noida were among the worst hit, with visibility in some locations dropping to nearly zero.

Commuters in areas such as Raj Nagar Extension, Indirapuram and Loni faced major delays as vehicles moved at a crawl. According to IMD, the maximum temperature in the region is expected to remain around 20°C, while the minimum may hover near 8°C. Light drizzle during the morning hours could further intensify the cold and worsen driving conditions.

Uttar Pradesh Weather Alert: Major developments

Major updates at a glance:

• Rain and hailstorms continue in western Uttar Pradesh
• Dense to very dense fog across central and eastern UP
• Wind speeds may reach 30-50 kmph in some districts
• Orange Alert for severe weather in western UP
• Yellow Alert for dense fog across multiple regions

Weather conditions remain particularly severe in western Uttar Pradesh due to the active western disturbance. Several districts have reported rainfall and hailstorm activity, raising concerns about crop damage. Districts under alert include Amroha, Bijnor, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Noida, Agra, Mathura and parts of the Moradabad region.

IMD has warned of thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds, with speeds reaching up to 50 kmph in isolated areas. Farmers have been advised to protect standing crops such as wheat, mustard and gram by ensuring proper covering and drainage arrangements.

Central and eastern UP remain under fog cover

Major updates at a glance:

• Visibility reduced to 100-200 metres in many cities
• Light drizzle and thunder possible in some areas
• Very dense fog in Terai districts
• Travel disruptions likely during morning hours

Central Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj and Ayodhya, is witnessing cloudy skies with chances of light drizzle and thunder. In eastern districts such as Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Azamgarh and Ballia, dense fog continues to dominate early morning conditions.

The Terai belt, covering Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Gonda and Shravasti, remains under very dense fog, prompting IMD to issue a Yellow Alert for reduced visibility. Fog conditions are expected to persist till around 9 am in many districts, after which partial sunshine may appear.

Outlook for the next few days and air quality status

Major updates at a glance:

• Rain and fog likely till February 4
• Slight improvement expected from February 5
• Minimum temperatures may drop by 2-4°C
• AQI remains in the 'poor' category

According to IMD's forecast, weather activity will continue till February 4, with fog remaining a dominant feature across most regions. From February 5 onwards, fog intensity may reduce slightly, though night and early morning cold is expected to increase due to falling minimum temperatures.

Air quality across Delhi-NCR continues to remain a concern. AQI levels are currently in the 'poor' category, ranging between 200 and 250, while some parts of Ghaziabad have recorded readings above 300. Residents, especially those with respiratory issues, are advised to avoid early morning outdoor activities and use fog lights while driving.

IMD has urged people to stay alert, follow advisories and keep tracking official updates as winter weather conditions remain unpredictable across north India.