Weather Alert: Clear Winter Morning in Delhi-NCR Defies Fog Forecast, Cold Conditions Expected to Intensify Soon
Weather Alert: Despite predictions of dense to moderate fog by weather authorities, Wednesday morning brought unexpectedly clear conditions across Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad. Residents woke up to unobstructed visibility, normal traffic flow, and comparatively comfortable winter weather. Unlike the previous day, temperatures did not see a sharp decline, and the absence of thick fog came as a surprise to many commuters. Even at Delhi’s IGI Airport, where visibility often drops significantly during winter mornings, it was recorded at around 300 metres at 7 am, allowing operations to continue without major disruption.
Expected Temperature Trends in the Coming Days
As winter gradually tightens its grip, temperature patterns in the national capital region are expected to remain seasonally cold but stable. Over the next seven days, the minimum temperature in Delhi is likely to hover between 7 and 8 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature may stay in the range of 19 to 20 degrees Celsius. These conditions indicate that although fog may not appear consistently every morning, the overall chill in the air will increase steadily. Night-time cold is expected to become more noticeable, especially in open and low-lying areas.
Reasons Behind the Absence of Fog in Delhi-NCR
Weather specialists explain that fog formation depends heavily on a delicate balance between wind speed and moisture content in the atmosphere. On Wednesday, this balance did not develop as predicted. Although wind activity was low, humidity levels were not sufficiently high to allow dense fog to settle. Typically, thick fog forms when calm winds coincide with high moisture near the surface, leading to condensation. Since these factors did not align perfectly, fog remained patchy or absent across most parts of the region.
Weather Outlook for Christmas Day
Christmas Day is expected to bring relatively normal winter weather to Delhi-NCR. December 25 is likely to remain clear, offering temporary relief to residents and travelers. However, this break may be short-lived. Weather advisories suggest that conditions will change soon after, with colder nights and reduced visibility returning to the region. Those planning early morning travel during the holiday period are advised to stay updated with local weather reports.
Dense Fog Warning After Christmas
A dense fog alert has been issued for December 26, raising concerns about visibility and road safety. Foggy conditions during early morning and late-night hours could affect highways, rail services, and flight schedules. As temperatures continue to dip, the cold is expected to feel sharper, particularly for people commuting during pre-dawn hours. Authorities recommend caution while driving and advise travelers to allow extra time for journeys.
Cold Wave and Fog Alerts Across Multiple States
The impact of winter is not limited to the Delhi region alone. Several parts of northern and central India are expected to experience cold wave conditions and persistent fog in the coming days. Eastern Uttar Pradesh and eastern Madhya Pradesh are likely to face cold wave situations around December 23. Bihar, in particular, may witness severe cold conditions from December 23 to December 28, with temperatures dropping significantly below seasonal averages.
Cities such as Agra, Bareilly, Prayagraj, Kanpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Ayodhya, Ghaziabad, Amritsar, Hisar, Ambala, and Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh are expected to experience dense fog over the next two days. These conditions could disrupt daily routines and impact transportation networks, especially during early morning hours.
Rainfall and Snowfall Forecast in Mountain Regions
While plains grapple with fog and cold, mountainous regions are expected to see active weather systems. Rain and snowfall are forecast in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad on December 23, with another spell anticipated between December 27 and December 29. These weather events may enhance cold conditions in nearby plains as well.
Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand could also experience heavy rainfall during December 28 and 29. Such conditions may lead to localized disruptions, including roadblocks in hilly terrain and temporary closures due to snow accumulation or landslides. Travelers heading to hill stations during this period are advised to plan carefully and monitor local advisories.
As winter advances, weather patterns across northern India are expected to remain dynamic. Clear mornings may still occur, but fog, cold waves, and precipitation are likely to become more frequent, making preparedness and awareness essential for both residents and travelers.