New Delhi: Residents across North and East India should prepare for continued winter chill and reduced visibility as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast dense to very dense fog conditions over the next few days. According to the latest bulletin from the national weather agency, these conditions are likely to persist until the end of December, significantly impacting transport networks and daily life.
The IMD has specifically warned that night and early morning fog will likely disrupt road, rail, and air traffic across several states. Travelers have been advised to stay updated on schedules and exercise caution while driving.
Fog and Cold Wave Forecast
The meteorological assessment indicates that Punjab is very likely to experience dense to very dense fog until December 27. Similarly, parts of Uttar Pradesh may witness these conditions between December 23 and December 28. The national capital region, including Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi, is also expected to grapple with dense fog during night and morning hours from December 23 to 27.
The foggy spell extends to Eastern India as well. Bihar and Odisha are likely to see dense fog until December 27. Additionally, Bihar is expected to face cold day conditions in isolated pockets from December 23 to 26.
Other regions, including Rajasthan, north Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and north Madhya Pradesh, may also experience reduced visibility during the initial days of this forecast period. In the Northeast, fog is expected until December 25, while the western Himalayan regions may see fog and cold conditions continuing up to December 27.
Temperature Trends and Rainfall
Alongside the fog, temperatures are set to dip. Minimum temperatures across northwest India are expected to fall gradually by 3–5°C over the next three days, stabilizing thereafter. East India is also likely to witness a gradual drop of 2–3°C over the next five days.
Regarding precipitation, the IMD noted that light to moderate rainfall or snowfall is likely over Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad on December 23, 27, and 28. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand may see isolated rainfall or snowfall on December 28.
The weather agency attributed these conditions to a western disturbance currently present in the middle and upper tropospheric levels, supported by a subtropical westerly jet stream over North India. Another weak western disturbance is expected to affect the western Himalayan region starting December 27.
Health and Safety Advisory
The IMD has issued cautionary advice regarding the impact of these weather conditions on public health. Prolonged exposure to dense fog, which often traps pollutants and particulate matter, may cause breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and coughing. Those suffering from asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory illnesses are particularly at risk.
Furthermore, cold exposure increases the risk of flu-like symptoms, frostbite, and hypothermia among vulnerable populations. The agency has advised citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor movement during dense fog hours and to wear layered warm clothing. Drivers are urged to use fog lights to mitigate the risk of road accidents due to poor visibility. Livestock owners have also been advised to implement protective measures against cold stress for their animals.
Disclaimer: This report is based on the latest forecast and warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department. Weather conditions may change, and readers are advised to follow official IMD updates for real-time information.
