The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant weather advisory, warning of dense to very dense fog across a vast swathe of the country. The alert, issued on Thursday, December 18, 2025, covers as many as 16 states and union territories, potentially disrupting road, rail, and air travel. Simultaneously, the weather office has sounded a cold wave warning for the states of Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh.
Widespread Fog Disruption Across Northern and Eastern India
According to the IMD bulletin, the foggy conditions are expected to prevail over the next few days. The advisory specifically highlights the likelihood of dense to very dense fog in the morning hours. The affected regions include Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.
Such intense fog significantly reduces visibility, often dropping it to below 50 meters. This poses severe risks to transportation. The IMD has cautioned that flight and train schedules may be impacted, and road travel could become hazardous. Commuters and travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution, use fog lights, and check for updates from transport authorities before embarking on journeys.
Cold Wave Grips Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh
While fog is the primary concern for many, parts of North and Central India are also grappling with a sharp dip in temperatures. The IMD has issued a cold wave warning for Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh. A cold wave is declared when the minimum temperature dips to 10 degrees Celsius or below in the plains, and is 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius below the normal.
Residents in these states, especially in vulnerable areas, are advised to take necessary precautions against the biting cold. The harsh conditions are particularly concerning for the homeless, elderly, and those without adequate shelter. Local administrations often open night shelters and distribute blankets during such spells.
Precautions and Advisory for the Public
In light of the dual weather warnings, authorities are urging the public to stay informed and prepared. For areas under the fog alert, the key advice is to avoid unnecessary travel during early morning and late night hours when fog is at its peak. If travel is essential, drivers must maintain slow speed, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and strictly avoid overtaking.
For regions experiencing the cold wave, people are recommended to wear multiple layers of warm clothing, cover their heads, and limit exposure to the cold, especially during early mornings and evenings. Staying hydrated and consuming warm foods and drinks can also help the body cope with the low temperatures.
The IMD continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates. These weather phenomena are typical for North India during the winter months, but their intensity and widespread nature this season warrant heightened awareness and precautionary measures from both the public and disaster management agencies.
