The Himalyan state of Sikkim is also experiencing snowfall this winter and the local officials have reported formation of black ice on certain roads which are frequented by tourists.
The cold weather conditions in Delhi is supposed to get worse in the next few days as the India Meteorological Department laid out a 7-day forecast warning a drop in temperature from Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Met office has forecasted dry weather across Jammu and Kashmir with chances of light snowfall in isolated areas.
The Himalayan state of Sikkim is also experiencing snowfall this winter and local officials have reported the formation of black ice on certain roads which are frequented by tourists. They are not issuing permits to certain areas like Nathula and Tsomgo Lake with a warning for travellers going to Sikkim.
Black ice is a thin and transparent layer of ice that forms on roads and sidewalks during winter and this is extremely slippery making it dangerous for drivers and pedestrians as they often fail to notice them on the road. The term 'black ice' refers to the transparent nature of this thin layer of ice, which makes it nearly invisible.
Thick fog engulfed Delhi-NCR region on Wednesday leading to delaying of over 200 flights and cancellation of four services at the New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. The airport authorities have stated that the rest of the flights are still continuing but the ones not equipped with low visibility landings might get affected.
Delhi is expected to experience a minimum temperature of 11 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 20 degrees Celsius today.
The weather department laid out a 7-day forecast indicating that from Wednesday, the minimum temperature will start dipping, and by Friday, it is expected to drop to 5 degrees Celsius.
Delhi saw a slight improvement in air quality on Tuesday with AQI reading at 296 (poor), while temperatures are expected to drop to 5 degrees Celsius in the coming days, officials said.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI in the national capital had remained in the "very poor" category for the past week. On Monday, the AQI was recorded at 335 in the "very poor" category.
Jammu and Kashmir currently under the grip of Chhillai Kallan is experiencing temperatures below the freezing point during the night across Kashmir valley.
The Met office has forecast mainly dry weather over the next few days, with the possibility of light rain or snow at isolated places on Saturday.
It also said the minimum temperature was likely to drop further in the valley and forecast an isolated cold wave over the few days ahead.
The Met office said the minimum temperature in Srinagar was recorded at minus 1 degree Celsius, down from the previous night's 0.9 degrees. The city had witnessed bright sunshine in the morning.
Gulmarg, a tourist resort town known for skiing activities in north Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 9.8 degrees Celsius, compared to the previous night's minus 6.6 degrees, and was the coldest recorded place in the valley.
In Pahalgam, one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra in south Kashmir, the minimum temperature settled at minus 8.2 degrees Celsius against the previous night's minus 7.8 degrees.
Qazigund, the gateway town to the valley, logged a low of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius while Konibal in Pampore town registered a minimum temperature of minus 1 degree.
Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.1 degrees Celsius while Kokernag in south Kashmir saw the mercury settle at minus 1.9 degrees.
The upper reaches of Sikkim experienced heavy snowfall and the snowfall on Tuesday evening also led to a sharp dip in temperatures in the Himalayan state.
According to the official black ice has formed at Thulo Khola, making the road to Nathula and Tsomgo Lake dangerous for vehicles.
Efforts are underway to clear the snow but it will take a day or two to ensure safe passage, an official told PTI.
Permits for visiting Nathula and Tsomgo Lake will not be issued by the Tourism department until further notice. Travellers are advised to stay updated on the situation and exercise caution.
The official added that the administration monitors the weather and road conditions closely.
(With PTI inputs)