The India Meteorological Department has released a comprehensive weather bulletin detailing extreme conditions across the country. This forecast, issued at 7:45 PM IST on January 12, paints a picture of contrasting weather patterns affecting different regions simultaneously.
Severe Cold Wave Engulfs Northern India
Large parts of northern, northwestern, and eastern India continue to battle harsh winter conditions. The IMD specifically warns about cold wave to severe cold wave conditions expected over multiple states. These include Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, and West Uttar Pradesh.
These weather conditions significantly impact normal life as temperatures drop sharply during early morning and night hours. Cold day to severe cold day conditions have also been forecast for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, west Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand.
Dense Fog Disrupts Transport Services
Dense to very dense fog remains a major concern over the Indo-Gangetic plains. Visibility levels have dropped below 200 meters in many places, severely disrupting transport services. The IMD predicts very dense fog conditions will continue over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Punjab until January 14.
Isolated pockets of dense fog conditions may persist until January 18. Additional areas expecting dense fog include West and East Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, the Jammu region, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim.
Heavy Rainfall Expected in Southern States
Meanwhile, southern India prepares for heavy rainfall. Isolated places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal are likely to experience heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. This indicates atmospheric instabilities over the southern part of the peninsula.
Current weather observations show rainfall activity over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and south interior Karnataka.
Temperature Extremes Across India
Temperature contrasts across the country are quite pronounced. On January 12, the lowest minimum temperature recorded from the Indian plains was 0.6 degrees Celsius at Bhatinda in Punjab. At the opposite extreme, the highest maximum temperature reported was 36.6 degrees Celsius from Kottayam in Kerala.
Observations from January 12 highlight the severity of fog conditions. Zero visibility was recorded in Coonoor in Tamil Nadu, while reduced visibility affected parts of Odisha, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and Assam. Shallow fog was also reported in Assam and Uttarakhand.
Detailed Weather Forecast
The IMD forecasts no significant change in minimum temperatures over northwest India for the next three days. After that, a gradual rise of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius is expected during the subsequent four days.
Maharashtra should see a gradual rise of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in minimum temperatures over the next 24 hours, after which temperatures will likely stabilize. Gujarat may experience a similar rise of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius, followed by a fall of comparable magnitude before stabilizing in following days.
Ground Frost Warning
The possibility of ground frost is predicted for Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand. Frost formation could affect agricultural fields and water supply infrastructure. It also poses risks to people with reduced immunity.
Day-by-Day Weather Outlook
On January 13, heavy rain and thunderstorms may continue in some parts of Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, and Karaikal. Severe cold wave and cold day conditions are expected to prevail across entire north and northwest parts of the country. Dense to very dense fog conditions will likely continue in the Indo-Gangetic plains.
Between January 14 and January 18, intensity may decrease somewhat. However, dense to very dense fog is expected to continue, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi.
Rainfall Forecast for Coming Week
According to the seven-day rainfall forecast, mainly dry weather is likely in central, northern, and Eastern India during the coming week. Scattered rainfall is also expected over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on January 12 and 13. Kerala and Lakshadweep may see rainfall until January 14.
The IMD alert report highlights a contrasting weather scenario across India. Active rain systems affect the southern region while the northern part experiences adverse winter conditions.
