The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant weather advisory, forecasting a challenging spell of winter conditions across large parts of the country. According to its All India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin dated December 18, a period of intense cold weather phenomena is set to begin from December 19 and is likely to persist until at least December 24.
Western Himalayas Brace for Fresh Snowfall
The western Himalayan region, encompassing popular tourist destinations, is poised for renewed winter activity. The IMD predicts light to moderate rainfall and snowfall starting soon, with the activity becoming more widespread on December 20 and 21. Specifically, isolated heavy snowfall is expected around December 21.
Travellers planning visits to Himachal Pradesh between December 20 and 22 and to Uttarakhand on December 20 and 21 are urged to exercise extreme caution. These conditions pose serious risks, including disruptions to road connectivity in higher altitudes and an increased threat of avalanches in vulnerable zones. Light rainfall is also likely at isolated places over Punjab during the same three-day period.
Dense Fog to Blanket Northern and Eastern Plains
The most widespread hazard during this period will be dense to very dense fog across the plains. From December 19 onwards, early mornings and late nights in the northern regions will be severely impacted.
Uttar Pradesh is expected to experience dense to very dense fog at many places from December 19 to 21, and again from December 22 to 25. Punjab and Haryana-Chandigarh are likely to see very dense fog on December 19 and 20, with intermittent spells continuing until December 25. Bihar will face similar conditions on the 19th and 20th, followed by dense fog for the next two days.
The fog will also extend to eastern and northeastern states. Isolated pockets in Jharkhand, Odisha, and Gangetic West Bengal may experience fog, while Assam, Meghalaya, and adjoining areas are predicted to remain under dense fog cover between December 19 and 22.
Cold Day Conditions and Temperature Outlook
Adding to the discomfort, cold day to severe cold day conditions are forecast for isolated parts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand on December 19 and 20. A 'cold day' is declared when the maximum temperature falls significantly below normal due to persistent fog and cloud cover, even if the night is not exceptionally chilly.
Regarding minimum temperatures, no abrupt cold wave is expected for most areas. Northwest India will see a gradual rise of 2–3 degrees Celsius over three days from December 19 morning. Maharashtra's minimums will remain stable for two days before rising gradually, while Gujarat may see a slight rise followed by a fall of 2–3 degrees later in the forecast period. For the rest of the country, no major change in minimum temperatures is expected until December 24.
Wide-Ranging Impacts and Official Advisories
The prolonged fog spell is set to disrupt transport and aviation, especially during early hours. Flight schedules, rail services, and highway travel could face significant delays. Reduced visibility increases the risk of road accidents, prompting authorities to advise commuters to use fog lights, drive cautiously, and stay updated on schedule changes.
Health-wise, the public, especially those with respiratory issues, is advised to limit outdoor exposure during dense fog and cover their faces when outside. For coastal areas, fishermen have been warned against venturing into the Gulf of Mannar and adjoining Comorin area until December 20 due to squally weather.
Residents and travellers across affected regions are encouraged to monitor official IMD updates closely and plan their activities accordingly to stay safe during this intense winter spell.
