North and Central India continue to grapple with severe winter conditions as meteorological patterns show no immediate signs of relief. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that cold wave conditions, coupled with dense to very dense fog, will persist across several states in the coming days. This prolonged spell of chill is attributed to an active Western Disturbance and a powerful subtropical westerly jet stream influencing the region.
According to the latest meteorological analysis, a cyclonic circulation is currently positioned over north Pakistan and the adjoining Jammu region. This system extends up to 5.8 km above mean sea level. Simultaneously, a subtropical westerly jet stream is prevailing over northwest India at the upper atmospheric levels. With core wind speeds reaching approximately 130 knots at an altitude of 12.6 km, this system is effectively sustaining cold air advection and preventing temperature recovery across large swathes of the country.
Cold Wave and ‘Cold Day’ Alerts Issued
The weather department has flagged potential cold wave conditions at isolated locations in Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand during the initial phase of the forecast period. Furthermore, ‘cold day’ conditions are anticipated, particularly during morning hours, over Bihar, Uttarakhand, West Madhya Pradesh, and the plains of northwest India.
Temperature data reflects the severity of the current spell. On January 4, minimum temperatures hovered between 3.0°C and 1.6°C below normal across regions including Uttar Pradesh, West Madhya Pradesh, East Rajasthan, and Vidarbha. Similar departures were noted in Gangetic West Bengal and parts of the Northeast. The plains recorded their lowest minimum temperature at Fatehpur in Rajasthan, where the mercury dipped to a biting 1.1°C.
Visibility Woes to Continue
Disruptions to road, rail, and air traffic are likely to continue as visibility levels remain low. The IMD has warned of dense to very dense fog during the night and early morning hours for Bihar, East Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Uttarakhand. Similar conditions are expected in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
The fog cover is not limited to the mainland; parts of the Northeast, including Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, along with Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, are also expected to witness foggy conditions on isolated days.
Rainfall and Marine Warnings
While the plains shiver, the hills are bracing for precipitation. Light to moderate rainfall or snowfall is likely at isolated places over Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand between January 5 and 6. The IMD has also warned of ground frost conditions at isolated spots in Uttarakhand.
Fishermen have been advised against venturing into specific maritime zones due to rough conditions. Squally winds ranging from 35–45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph, are likely over parts of the southwest and southeast Bay of Bengal. Stronger winds, reaching speeds of 45–55 kmph and gusting to 65 kmph, may prevail along the Somalia coast, the Gulf of Mannar, and the Comorin area.
Outlook for the Week
Residents in northwest India should not expect an immediate rise in temperatures. The IMD forecasts no significant change in minimum temperatures initially, followed by a gradual fall of 2–3°C in subsequent days. Central and East India are also likely to witness a temperature drop of 2–4°C over the next three days.
Disclaimer: This report is based on official bulletins and weather warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Weather conditions are subject to change. Readers are advised to follow updates issued by IMD and local authorities for the latest and most accurate information.
