The India Meteorological Department issued a fresh weather bulletin. It warns of persistent dense fog and cold wave conditions across large parts of north, northwest, and central India. These harsh winter conditions will likely continue until at least January 20.
Widespread Cold Wave and Fog Alert
Starting January 15, isolated areas will experience cold wave conditions. The affected regions include Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Dense to very dense fog is also forecast for northwest India and Bihar. This fog will severely reduce visibility, especially during morning and night hours.
Detailed Day-by-Day Forecast
January 15: Cold wave conditions will hit isolated places in Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand. Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Punjab will also face cold day conditions with low daytime temperatures. Dense fog is predicted for Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, east Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim. Very dense fog is likely over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and West Uttar Pradesh.
January 16: The situation shows little improvement. Cold wave conditions continue in isolated areas of Odisha. Dense fog persists over Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal and Sikkim. Uttar Pradesh will likely experience dense to very dense fog, particularly in early morning and late night. This could severely disrupt road and rail movement.
January 17: Cold wave conditions may reduce slightly. However, dense fog continues in Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, and Sikkim. Uttar Pradesh remains affected by very dense fog at isolated places, offering no relief from poor visibility.
January 18: Fog-related disruptions continue. Dense fog is likely at isolated places over Bihar, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal and Sikkim. Very dense fog is again expected in parts of Uttar Pradesh. Prolonged fog raises risks of transport delays and accidents on highways and railway routes in the northern plains.
January 19 and 20: Isolated areas over Bihar and Uttar Pradesh will have dense fog conditions. While no warnings exist for fishermen, the fog will impact inland transport and morning commuting during peak hours.
Prolonged Winter Stress and Major Impacts
The IMD indicates dense and very dense fog conditions will likely extend for five to six days over northwest India and Bihar. This signals a prolonged period of winter stress. Such prolonged fog events are common in January. Any additional stress from cold wave conditions will compound the situation.
Transport and Health Concerns
The transport and aviation sectors face high vulnerability. Lack of visibility may disrupt air travel at major north Indian airports. Train schedules could be impacted. Road travel on highways becomes dangerous. Journey times will increase, with heightened risks of accidents if caution is not exercised.
Power companies may encounter challenges. Very dense fog can lead to tripping power wires in affected areas. The IMD also highlights potential human health implications from continued exposure to cold and fog.
Despite the widespread conditions, the IMD has not issued colour-coded warnings for January 15 to 20.
Advisory for Public and Authorities
With winter conditions prevailing over northern and central India, authorities and the public must maintain caution. People should avoid outdoor exposure when possible. They must adhere to safety precautions for travel, health, and agriculture.
As fog and cold persist for several days, the IMD forecast underscores the need for continued preparedness. All sectors must work to minimize disruptions and health hazards during this inclement winter spell.
