New Delhi: As the country gears up to ring in the New Year, festive plans across North India may need adjustments due to challenging weather conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for dense fog and cold wave conditions that are likely to grip large swathes of the northern plains, potentially disrupting road, rail, and air travel.
According to the latest forecast, residents in Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, north Rajasthan, and parts of Bihar should brace for significant drops in visibility. The weather department anticipates dense to very dense fog specifically during late-night and early morning hours. This is expected to be most acute on the night of December 31 and the morning of January 1.
Travel Advisory for Revellers
The timing of this weather system poses a particular challenge for New Year’s Eve celebrations. IMD officials have cautioned that visibility could drop sharply post-midnight, coinciding with the time many people return from parties or gatherings. Authorities have urged citizens planning late-night outings or highway travel to exercise extreme caution, as fog intensity can escalate suddenly on open roads.
While daytime temperatures might remain relatively stable, night temperatures are predicted to stay significantly below normal in several pockets, leading to biting cold conditions. This is especially true for rural and open areas where the cold wave will be most perceptible.
Meteorological Factors
Explaining the phenomenon, IMD officials stated that a combination of low wind speed, high moisture levels in the atmosphere, and clear night skies is creating the perfect recipe for fog formation. These conditions are expected to persist into the first week of January.
The department noted that fog intensity will likely fluctuate based on local weather patterns, with a gradual change expected only after increased activity from western disturbances later in the week.
Northeast India Outlook
In contrast to the foggy plains, the Northeast region is set to welcome the New Year under calmer skies. The IMD has forecast chilly but stable weather for states including Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh. While night temperatures will remain low and hill areas will continue to record cold conditions, widespread dense fog is not anticipated. Plains in the region may, however, witness light mist during the early hours.
Impact on Infrastructure
While no extreme weather disasters are predicted, the operational impact of the fog is a primary concern. The IMD has highlighted potential disruptions to:
- Late-night vehicular movement on highways.
- Early morning flight operations.
- Train schedules due to poor visibility on tracks.
Travellers have been advised to stay updated with local advisories and avoid speeding in fog-prone zones to ensure a safe transition into the New Year.
Disclaimer: This news report is based on weather forecasts and public updates issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Weather conditions may change depending on location and time.
