Weather Today: Winter Grips North India With Cold Wave, Dense Fog, and Travel Disruptions
Weather Today: North India is currently in the firm grip of harsh winter conditions, as a powerful cold wave combined with dense to very dense fog has significantly affected daily life across several states. Plummeting temperatures, poor visibility, and prolonged cold spells have not only made mornings and nights challenging for residents but have also caused widespread disruptions in transportation and routine activities.
Impact of Cold Wave on Daily Life
The ongoing cold wave has led to a sharp drop in both day and night temperatures across large parts of North India. Early mornings are marked by biting cold and thick fog, making outdoor movement difficult, especially for commuters, daily wage workers, and elderly citizens. The persistent chill has increased the demand for warm clothing, heating appliances, and hot food, while also raising concerns about health issues such as seasonal flu, respiratory problems, and hypothermia in vulnerable populations.
Rail and Air Traffic Disruptions
One of the most visible impacts of the severe winter weather has been on transportation networks. Dense fog has reduced visibility to dangerously low levels during late-night and early-morning hours, leading to delays in rail and air services. Several long-distance trains are running hours behind schedule, causing inconvenience to passengers and overcrowding at railway stations. Flight operations have also been affected, with delays, rescheduling, and occasional cancellations reported due to poor visibility conditions at major airports in northern cities.
Fog Conditions Across Northern States
According to weather assessments, very dense fog is expected to persist over several regions, especially during nighttime and early morning hours. Areas such as Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and western parts of Uttar Pradesh are likely to continue experiencing reduced visibility until the end of December. Eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of eastern India are also expected to remain under foggy conditions into early January. In addition, pockets of Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, and northeastern states may witness intermittent dense fog episodes, further extending the winter challenges.
Severe Cold Day and Prolonged Chill
Apart from fog, severe cold day conditions have been forecast in multiple states. Certain regions of Uttar Pradesh are likely to experience extremely low daytime temperatures, while hill states may face intensified cold during the final days of December and the beginning of January. The cold spell is expected to impact states such as Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, and central India as well. In isolated areas of Punjab, Haryana, and parts of central India, cold wave conditions may persist, increasing discomfort and health risks for residents.
Delhi-NCR Weather Outlook
The national capital region is facing particularly challenging weather conditions. An orange alert has been issued due to the likelihood of dense to very dense fog during early mornings and late nights. While daytime temperatures may remain relatively moderate, nighttime temperatures are expected to stay low, intensifying the cold. Residents of Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad are advised to remain cautious while traveling and to stay updated with local weather advisories.
New Year Weather Expectations
As the New Year approaches, weather conditions are expected to remain unpredictable. Cloudy skies are likely to dominate the region, with a possibility of light rain or drizzle on the first day of the year. While this may temporarily improve air quality, it could also add to the cold and damp conditions. Following this brief change, fog and cold weather are expected to return in the subsequent days, continuing the winter pattern into early January.
Precautions and Advisory for Residents
Given the ongoing cold wave and foggy conditions, residents are advised to take necessary precautions. Limiting early-morning travel, using fog lights while driving, staying warm, and paying attention to health symptoms are essential during this period. Travelers should check train and flight schedules in advance to avoid inconvenience.
As winter tightens its grip, staying informed and prepared remains the key to navigating the challenging weather conditions across North India.