The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stern warning for Gurgaon, forecasting no relief from dense foggy conditions until Christmas Day. The city is under a yellow to orange alert, signaling a critical need for caution and preparedness among residents and commuters.
Severe Visibility Issues and Travel Disruptions Ahead
According to the IMD's impact-based forecast, "dense to very dense fog" will envelop Gurgaon for the next several days, severely reducing visibility. The weather office has specifically warned that driving conditions may turn hazardous, significantly raising the risk of road accidents. Commuters have been strongly advised to plan travel carefully, use fog lights, and avoid high-speed driving, especially during early morning and late-night hours when disruptions are expected to peak.
The district-wise warning from IMD's Chandigarh centre indicates dense fog on December 23, with conditions intensifying to dense to very dense fog from December 24 onwards. The foggy spell is likely to be the dominant weather feature throughout the Christmas week, with no rainfall predicted to clear the atmosphere.
Health Risks and Temperature Fluctuations
Beyond travel woes, the IMD has flagged serious health concerns. Dense fog often traps particulate matter and pollutants, which can aggravate respiratory problems, trigger asthma and bronchitis, and cause eye irritation. Vulnerable groups, including people with pre-existing lung conditions, children, and the elderly, are advised to limit outdoor exposure during peak fog hours.
While nights remain cold, daytime temperatures have shown a sharp rise. On Sunday, Gurgaon recorded a minimum temperature of 11.1°C, slightly lower than the previous day's 11.7°C. However, it recorded one of the highest maximum temperatures in Haryana at 22.1°C. Despite warmer afternoons, high moisture levels and calm winds are facilitating fog formation at night and in the early mornings.
Regional Outlook and Extended Forecast
The average minimum temperature across Haryana remains above normal for the season. Narnaul reported the state's lowest minimum at 6°C. Meanwhile, in the national capital, Delhi's temperatures are also dipping, with the minimum expected to fall sharply to 6-8°C by December 25.
Looking beyond Christmas, meteorological experts suggest a feeble western disturbance is expected from December 28 to 31. This system is likely to result in low wind conditions, potentially leading to the persistence of dense fog, indicating that the foggy weather pattern may extend into the New Year's week.
Residents of Gurgaon are urged to stay updated with the latest IMD bulletins, exercise extreme caution on the roads, and take necessary health precautions until the fog lifts.
