New Delhi, Dec 31: Northern India is bracing for a harsh cold wave and dense fog conditions over the next few days, with temperatures dropping to as low as 0°C in some regions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday. An orange alert has been issued for Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh as visibility plunges and temperatures remain frigid.
“Dense to very dense fog and cold day conditions are likely over Northwest India during the next two to three days,” the IMD said in its latest bulletin.
Satellite imagery confirmed the presence of a widespread fog layer stretching across South Jammu, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Isolated pockets of Rajasthan are forecast to face severe cold day conditions.
The IMD also forecast rain and snowfall in the western Himalayan region from January 1 to January 5, driven by a western disturbance. Over the weekend, Himachal Pradesh’s Dhauladhar mountains were blanketed with fresh snowfall, with temperatures plunging to near-freezing levels.
“A couple of days ago, it rained heavily, and the cold has increased significantly,” said a resident in Himachal Pradesh to ANI. “The snow-covered hills and intense cold are making it difficult to step outside during the mornings and evenings.”
Foggy conditions are expected to worsen overnight, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. The reduced visibility is likely to impact transportation and daily activities, with authorities urging caution.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu is forecast to experience heavy rainfall in the coming days as parts of the southern state remain under weather advisories.
The IMD urged residents in affected regions to take precautions, particularly in the early morning and late-night hours when temperatures and visibility are at their lowest. Layers of warm clothing, avoidance of non-essential travel, and caution on foggy roads were emphasized.
The latest updates underscore the severity of India’s diverse weather conditions, from biting cold in the north to heavy rains in the south, as the country continues to grapple with challenging winter weather.
