India is set to experience a period of starkly contrasting and challenging weather conditions beginning Monday, January 8, as per the latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The nation will be under the grip of a triple threat: intense cold wave conditions, persistent dense fog across the plains, and heavy to very heavy rainfall over the southern coastal states.
North and Central India Shiver, South Braces for Downpour
According to the IMD's All India Weather Forecast Bulletin issued on January 7, winter is tightening its grip over the northern, central, and eastern parts of the country. Simultaneously, the southern peninsula is preparing for an active weather phase marked by significant rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning. This divergent pattern is expected to disrupt daily life, affecting transport, travel plans, and outdoor activities nationwide, especially during early morning and night hours.
On January 8 and 9, heavy rainfall is very likely at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. Meanwhile, harsh cold wave conditions are forecast to prevail at isolated places over a vast area including Chhattisgarh, eastern Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
In addition, cold day conditions are very likely across Bihar, east Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jharkhand, Punjab, sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and western Rajasthan. East Rajasthan is expected to be among the worst-hit, possibly experiencing severe cold day conditions.
Widespread Fog and Coastal Warnings
Visibility will be a major concern as dense fog is very likely at isolated places over numerous states including Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and western Rajasthan. Conditions are predicted to be even more severe, with dense to very dense fog, over east Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Punjab, which could significantly disrupt road, rail, and air travel.
Ground frost is also likely at isolated locations in Assam, Meghalaya, and Uttarakhand. For maritime regions, the IMD has warned of squally winds with speeds of 35 to 45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph, along and off the Sri Lanka coast, Gulf of Mannar, Comorin area, and across most parts of the southwest and southeast Bay of Bengal, indicating rough sea conditions.
Weather Evolution Through the Week
On January 10, rainfall activity is expected to spread. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, while Kerala and Mahe may receive heavy rainfall. Thunderstorms with lightning are likely in these southern regions. Cold wave conditions will become more localized, mainly over Rajasthan, while fog remains a widespread concern.
By January 11, rainfall in the south is expected to gradually ease, though heavy showers may still occur in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. Cold wave conditions may persist in Rajasthan, and dense fog is likely across a broad swathe of North and East India.
From January 12 to 13, most active weather systems are expected to reduce, with dense fog emerging as the primary concern, particularly over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh during night and morning hours.
Travel and Safety Advisory
With extreme weather forecast across different regions, residents and travelers are strongly advised to exercise caution. The dense fog in the north is likely to impact road transport, train services, and airline operations. In the southern coastal states, heavy rain and thundershowers may affect urban mobility and daily routines.
Given the prevailing winter conditions expected through mid-January, the IMD emphasizes the need for heightened alertness, particularly for morning travel. People are urged to check the latest weather updates and travel advisories before venturing out.
