A winter shroud of fog enveloped the Ganges Delta, casting a gloomy veil over the lush and fertile landscape of one of the world's most densely populated regions. The image captured by NASA's Terra satellite on January 6, 2026, reveals a T-shaped area of low white clouds suspended above the delta, with parallel bands of clouds stretching out into the Bay of Bengal.
The phenomenon is reminiscent of "cloud streets," which form when cold air passes over warmer open water, gaining heat and moisture. As the air rises, it cools, and the water vapor condenses, creating long, parallel rotating cylinders that can stretch for thousands of kilometers. The resulting clouds can be both beautiful and treacherous, posing hazards to daily life on the ground.
In this case, the dense fog caused major disruptions at the international airport in Dhaka, with flights diverted one after another as the weather conditions became too hazardous. Similar disruptions were reported on roads and railways across northern, central, and eastern India, highlighting the significant impact of the cold wave on daily life.
The Ganges Delta is a region of immense importance, supporting agriculture, industry, and millions of people who depend on its rich fertile soil. However, it is also prone to natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves, which can have devastating consequences for the environment and human populations.
As the winter weather continues to grip the region, residents and authorities must take precautions to mitigate the risks associated with dense fog and ensure that essential services remain available. Meanwhile, scientists like those at NASA's Earth Observatory continue to monitor the situation, providing critical information to support decision-making and long-term planning for the region's sustainable development.
The image from NASA's Terra satellite serves as a reminder of the complex and interconnected systems that govern our planet's weather patterns. By studying these phenomena, we can gain insights into the forces that shape our environment and develop strategies to adapt to an increasingly changing climate.
The phenomenon is reminiscent of "cloud streets," which form when cold air passes over warmer open water, gaining heat and moisture. As the air rises, it cools, and the water vapor condenses, creating long, parallel rotating cylinders that can stretch for thousands of kilometers. The resulting clouds can be both beautiful and treacherous, posing hazards to daily life on the ground.
In this case, the dense fog caused major disruptions at the international airport in Dhaka, with flights diverted one after another as the weather conditions became too hazardous. Similar disruptions were reported on roads and railways across northern, central, and eastern India, highlighting the significant impact of the cold wave on daily life.
The Ganges Delta is a region of immense importance, supporting agriculture, industry, and millions of people who depend on its rich fertile soil. However, it is also prone to natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves, which can have devastating consequences for the environment and human populations.
As the winter weather continues to grip the region, residents and authorities must take precautions to mitigate the risks associated with dense fog and ensure that essential services remain available. Meanwhile, scientists like those at NASA's Earth Observatory continue to monitor the situation, providing critical information to support decision-making and long-term planning for the region's sustainable development.
The image from NASA's Terra satellite serves as a reminder of the complex and interconnected systems that govern our planet's weather patterns. By studying these phenomena, we can gain insights into the forces that shape our environment and develop strategies to adapt to an increasingly changing climate.