The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a comprehensive weather advisory, warning of a stark contrast in conditions across the subcontinent. While southern peninsular India grapples with the lingering effects of a cyclonic system, northern and central regions are set to experience a significant plunge in temperatures, heralding the onset of cold wave conditions.
Southern States on High Alert for Rain and Squalls
The primary driver for the wet weather in the south is a weakening depression, the remnant of Cyclonic Storm Ditwah. This system continues to influence weather patterns, triggering widespread rainfall across the southern peninsula. According to the IMD bulletin issued on December 2, many areas have already received sustained moderate showers.
The forecast predicts heavy rainfall over North coastal Tamil Nadu on December 3. Southern coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, and Kerala are also expected to receive significant rainfall, with Kerala likely to witness heavy showers and thunderstorms on the same day.
Coastal hazards remain a critical concern. The IMD has warned of squally winds with speeds of 45–55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, along the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, affecting the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh. Sea conditions will be rough to very rough until the morning of December 3, prompting authorities to enforce an absolute suspension of fishing activities. Fishermen already at sea have been advised to return to safety.
North and Central India Brace for Sharp Temperature Drop
As the south battles rain, a different challenge emerges in the north. The IMD forecasts a steep fall in minimum temperatures across North, Northwest, and Central India in the coming days.
Cold wave conditions are very likely in isolated pockets of Punjab and north Maharashtra between December 3 and 5, and over Rajasthan between December 5 and 7. The temperature trend indicates a fall of 2–4 degrees Celsius over Northwest India after the next 24 hours, and a 2–3 degrees Celsius drop in Central India. East India will see a gradual fall of 3–4 degrees Celsius over four days.
Concurrently, dense fog is very likely in the early morning hours across Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Odisha (on December 3 and 4).
Risks, Alerts, and Precautionary Measures
The IMD has highlighted multiple risks associated with the ongoing weather systems. There is a moderate risk of flash floods in watersheds of Nellore district (Coastal Andhra Pradesh), Tirupati district (Rayalaseema), and Chennai and Tiruvallur districts (Tamil Nadu).
Potential impacts include waterlogging in urban areas, uprooting of small trees, damage to salt pans, traffic disruptions, and reduced visibility. Authorities urge residents in affected districts to:
- Stay indoors and avoid shelter under trees during storms.
- Move to safer locations if conditions deteriorate.
- Avoid motorboat travel and regulate tourism/offshore activities.
- Remain updated with local weather advisories from the IMD.
In summary, the IMD forecasts isolated to scattered rainfall in the Western Himalayan region, South Kerala, South Tamil Nadu, and island territories for the next three days. Thunderstorms with lightning may persist in southern coastal and interior districts until December 6. Sea and wind conditions along the southeastern coast are expected to improve after Wednesday morning as the system weakens further.
