New Delhi: Large parts of North and Central India are bracing for a prolonged spell of severe cold wave conditions and dense fog that is expected to continue into the first week of January, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Saturday.
In its latest bulletin, the national weather agency warned of significantly reduced visibility during night and early morning hours, which could disrupt road, rail, and air traffic. Cold day to severe cold day conditions are also anticipated in isolated areas across several states.
Widespread Fog and Cold Alerts
The IMD has forecast that ‘very dense fog’ will likely persist over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and West Uttar Pradesh until December 31. Meanwhile, East Uttar Pradesh and Odisha are expected to experience similar conditions until January 2.
Isolated pockets in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, and the northeastern states will also witness dense fog. The advisory highlighted ‘cold day’ conditions for Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, East Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, with ‘cold wave’ conditions likely in parts of Odisha and Himachal Pradesh.
Meteorological Factors at Play
The persistent cold is being driven by a combination of meteorological phenomena. According to the IMD, an active western disturbance is currently influencing weather patterns. This is compounded by a powerful subtropical westerly jet stream flowing over northern India at an altitude of 12.6 km, with wind speeds reaching approximately 140 knots.
These systems are working in tandem with upper-air cyclonic circulations, which are keeping night temperatures below normal across the region. The lowest minimum temperature in the plains was recorded at 2.1°C in Hisar, Haryana.
Temperature and Rainfall Outlook
The IMD has predicted a slight rise in minimum temperatures by 2-4°C over northwest India in the next two days, but this will be followed by a fresh drop. Central India is expected to see a marginal increase of 2-3°C, while temperatures in eastern India are likely to remain stable.
Light to moderate rainfall or snowfall is also very likely over Jammu–Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand between December 30 and January 2. Isolated rainfall may occur over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and parts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
Travel Advisory Issued
Given the forecast for severely reduced visibility, the IMD has issued a public advisory. Citizens have been urged to exercise extreme caution while travelling at night and in the early morning. Motorists are advised to follow traffic guidelines and plan for potential delays in areas prone to dense fog.
