The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stern warning for North India, predicting that the region will continue to shiver under the grip of a severe cold wave and dense fog conditions until at least December 28. The persistent weather pattern is causing significant disruption to road, rail, and air travel while pushing minimum temperatures several degrees below normal.
Widespread Cold Wave and Dense Fog Forecast
According to the IMD's latest bulletin, cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are very likely in isolated pockets over Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh during the next 24 hours. Furthermore, cold wave conditions are expected in some areas of Uttar Pradesh and north Rajasthan. The biting cold is being accompanied by dense to very dense fog, severely reducing visibility across the Indo-Gangetic plains.
The meteorological office has stated that these adverse weather conditions, including cold day scenarios, are likely to prevail over many parts of North India until December 28. This prolonged spell is attributed to a combination of light winds and high moisture levels in the lower atmosphere, which are conducive for fog formation and trapping cold air near the surface.
Impact on Key Cities and Regions
The national capital, Delhi, is experiencing the full force of this winter onslaught. On Monday, the minimum temperature at the Safdarjung observatory dropped to a chilling 6.4 degrees Celsius, which is two notches below the season's average. Other parts of the city recorded even lower temperatures. The visibility at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport plummeted to a mere 50 meters early in the morning, leading to delays and cancellations of several flights.
The situation is similarly grim in other northern states. In Punjab and Haryana, dense fog blankets have enveloped major cities and highways. Uttar Pradesh, particularly its western and central parts, is also reeling under cold wave conditions and poor visibility. The IMD has highlighted that the minimum temperatures in these regions are likely to range between 3-6 degrees Celsius over the next few days, with no significant relief in sight immediately.
Travel Disruptions and Advisory
The persistent dense fog is creating hazardous conditions for commuters. Road traffic on several national highways has been severely affected, with authorities advising drivers to use fog lights and drive at low speeds. The Indian Railways has reported delays for numerous trains arriving in and departing from Delhi and other northern hubs due to the fog-induced low visibility.
Aviation has been hit hard, with flight schedules at major airports like Delhi, Lucknow, and Amritsar facing significant disruptions. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for real-time flight status before heading to the airport.
The IMD and local disaster management authorities have issued advisories urging residents, especially the elderly, children, and those with health conditions, to take necessary precautions. People are advised to wear warm clothing, avoid early morning and late evening outdoor exposure, and stay hydrated. The forecast indicates that conditions may start to improve slightly after December 28, but the cold wave is expected to persist in some form.
