Cold Wave Tightens Grip Across India: IMD Issues Fog, Cold Day, and Snowfall Alerts
Cold Wave Tightens Grip Across India: A severe cold wave has intensified across large parts of India, significantly impacting daily life, transportation, and public health. The India Meteorological Department has issued multiple weather advisories highlighting dense fog, cold day conditions, and snowfall in several regions. Northern plains, along with parts of central and eastern India, are witnessing harsh winter conditions that are expected to persist for several days. Reduced visibility, plunging temperatures, and changing precipitation patterns have raised concerns among commuters, farmers, and local administrations.
Widespread Dense Fog Across Northern and Central Regions
Dense to very dense fog is emerging as one of the most disruptive winter phenomena this season. According to recent weather updates, fog is expected to blanket vast stretches of the country during night-time and early morning hours throughout the week. This persistent fog is likely to affect road, rail, and air travel, leading to delays and safety risks.
States such as Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Uttar Pradesh are expected to remain under dense fog conditions until December 29. Uttarakhand may experience similar conditions until December 28. Central Indian states including Madhya Pradesh, along with eastern regions like Jharkhand and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, are under fog alert until December 25. Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh are also affected, though the impact there is expected to ease slightly earlier.
Foggy conditions are not limited to the north and central belts. Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, and Odisha are likely to see dense fog until December 28, while several parts of Northeast India may continue to experience reduced visibility until December 26. Bihar stands out with a two-phase fog pattern, initially lasting until December 25 and then returning from December 26 to 28.
Cold Day Conditions Intensify in Key States
Alongside fog, severe cold day conditions are tightening their grip on eastern and northern regions. Daytime temperatures in some areas are dropping significantly below normal, making conditions uncomfortable even during daylight hours. This has prompted weather authorities to issue cold wave warnings for multiple states.
Isolated pockets of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand are particularly affected. Forecasts indicate a high likelihood of cold day conditions in East Uttar Pradesh and East Madhya Pradesh on December 24. Bihar is expected to remain under cold stress for an extended period, from December 24 to 28. Such prolonged cold spells can impact vulnerable populations, especially the elderly, children, and those without adequate heating.
Rainfall and Snowfall Expected in Himalayan Regions
The cold wave is also influencing precipitation patterns in the Himalayan belt. Light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by snowfall at higher altitudes, is forecast for Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad between December 27 and 29. These conditions may lead to temporary road closures, especially in mountainous passes, and could affect tourism and local mobility.
Similar weather activity is expected in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on December 28 and 29. While snowfall is beneficial for water reserves and winter tourism, it can also pose challenges such as landslides, slippery roads, and power disruptions if it intensifies.
Impact on Daily Life and Safety Measures
The ongoing cold wave, combined with dense fog and snowfall, calls for heightened awareness and precautionary measures. Reduced visibility during foggy hours increases the risk of accidents, while prolonged cold exposure can lead to health complications. Authorities may implement traffic advisories, and residents are encouraged to limit unnecessary travel during early mornings and late nights.
Farmers should also stay alert, as extreme cold and fog can affect crops, especially vegetables and standing winter produce. Adequate crop protection measures and timely advisories can help reduce potential losses.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
Weather experts suggest that winter conditions are likely to remain severe in many regions over the next several days. Gradual improvement may occur toward the end of the month in some areas, but until then, preparedness remains essential. Staying updated with local weather bulletins, following safety guidelines, and taking preventive health measures can help minimize risks during this intense winter phase.