New Delhi, Dec 19 (IANS): A thick blanket of fog enveloped the capital Monday morning, reducing visibility and making life difficult for commuters as vehicular movement slowed down.

The cold wave continued its relentless assault as the minimum temperature was recorded three notches below normal at five degrees Celsius.

"The thick fog is likely to clear up as the day progresses. But the cold conditions will continue in the coming days," said an official of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

At 8.30 a.m., the dense fog reduced visibility to 200 metres, the Met office said.

"Though sun will come out later in the day, it won't give any respite from the cold winds. There will be shallow fog in the evening," the IMD official added.

The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 18 degrees. Humidity at 8.30 a.m. was 97 percent.

On Sunday, the minimum and maximum temperatures were recorded at five and 23 degrees.