The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a comprehensive weather bulletin outlining significant meteorological developments expected across the country in the coming days. The national weather scenario is set to be dominated by three key phenomena: persistent cold stress over northwest India, widespread dense fog conditions, and renewed precipitation activity triggered by a fresh western disturbance.
Cold Wave Conditions to Persist in Northwest India
According to the latest All India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin dated January 28, cold wave conditions are likely to continue in isolated pockets of northwest India. The affected regions include Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh. The IMD has indicated that these severe cold conditions may persist until the end of January.
During this period, night temperatures are expected to remain significantly below normal in parts of the region. This prolonged cold spell increases the risk of cold-related health issues, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those without adequate shelter. Authorities are advised to take necessary precautions to mitigate health risks.
Widespread Dense Fog to Disrupt Transport
One of the most extensive weather hazards forecasted is dense fog, expected to affect large parts of north, central, and eastern India. The IMD predicts very likely dense fog conditions in isolated pockets over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
Additionally, fog is anticipated over Bihar, Odisha, and sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim during the latter part of January. This dense fog, particularly prevalent during night and early morning hours, has the potential to significantly disrupt transportation networks.
Transportation Impacts and Safety Advisories
Reduced visibility can lead to slower traffic movement, flight delays and cancellations, and an increased risk of road accidents if precautionary measures are not followed. The IMD has specifically cautioned commuters to:
- Use fog lights while driving
- Avoid high speeds in low visibility conditions
- Stay informed about transport schedules and potential disruptions
Fresh Western Disturbance to Bring Rain and Snow
A fresh western disturbance is expected to affect northwest India from the night of January 30, marking a significant shift in weather patterns over the western Himalayan region and adjoining plains. Under its influence, scattered to fairly widespread rainfall and snowfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, are likely over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand during early February.
The IMD has also indicated the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall or snowfall over parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh as the system intensifies. Gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–50 kmph may accompany thunderstorm activity in parts of the hills and adjoining plains, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi.
Travel Advisories for Mountainous Regions
Such weather conditions are likely to impact travel in mountainous regions, particularly along high-altitude routes that are prone to snow accumulation and reduced visibility. Tourists and residents have been advised to remain alert to local advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy precipitation.
Thunderstorm Activity Extends to Plains and Central India
Apart from the western Himalayan region, thunderstorm activity is also likely over parts of the northwestern plains and central India. Isolated thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are expected over Rajasthan, while thunderstorm activity with gusty winds may extend into adjoining states during the early days of February.
Earlier in the period, hailstorm activity was reported over parts of Chhattisgarh and sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, highlighting the convective nature of the prevailing weather systems.
Temperature Trends Across the Country
Minimum temperatures over northwest and central India are expected to witness a gradual fall of 2–4 degrees Celsius initially, followed by a gradual rise during subsequent days. Gujarat may see a temporary rise in minimum temperatures before a gradual decline later in the period, while no significant change is expected over most other parts of the country.
The IMD has noted that minimum temperatures in several regions remain below to appreciably below normal, reinforcing the persistence of cold conditions across large parts of northern India.
Weather Recap and Broader Outlook
As the western disturbance moves eastward, isolated to scattered rainfall and snowfall activity is expected to continue over the western Himalayan region. In the broader outlook, isolated rainfall is possible over Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh.
Weather conditions are expected to stabilize gradually after the system weakens, with no major warnings indicated beyond the first few days of February. Overall, the current weather pattern points toward the seasonal transition marked by winter disturbances, cold stress, and fog-related hazards.
The IMD continues to urge residents, travelers, and authorities to remain vigilant, follow advisories, and take preventive measures to minimize weather-related risks during this period. The department emphasizes the importance of staying updated with the latest forecasts as conditions evolve.
