The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has released a comprehensive weather bulletin, painting a dynamic picture of conditions across the subcontinent for the coming days. A combination of winter chill, persistent dense fog, and isolated precipitation is set to define the week, affecting regions from the northern plains to the island territories.
Himalayan Region Braces for Fresh Snowfall
As per the IMD bulletin issued on December 5, the western Himalayan region is in for early winter precipitation. Ladakh is likely to witness light to moderate isolated rainfall or snowfall on December 8. This activity will be preceded by similar spells in Himachal Pradesh on December 7 and Uttarakhand on both December 7 and 8.
These weather events are attributed to the interaction of western disturbances with cold air masses, a typical phenomenon for December. However, the IMD has indicated that the intensity will be limited, confined to isolated pockets, and is not expected to cause major disruptions to daily life or travel in the region.
Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds for Coastal South
A significant weather feature highlighted in the forecast is the prediction of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds over the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. These conditions are expected to prevail from December 5 to 7, with the peak likely on December 6 and 7.
Wind speeds in the island territory may range between 30 and 40 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 50 kmph. While no specific warning for fishermen has been issued, these conditions could pose challenges for small vessels. Additionally, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal may experience isolated thunderstorms and lightning on December 6.
Temperature Shifts and Dense Fog Alert
The forecast outlines notable shifts in minimum temperatures. Northwest India is likely to see a gradual rise in night temperatures by 2–3 degrees Celsius over the next three days until December 8, providing slight relief from recent cold wave conditions. In contrast, Maharashtra is expected to see a drop of 2–3 degrees Celsius after four days of stable temperatures, marking a firmer onset of winter in central parts.
Cold wave conditions are likely in isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, northwest Jharkhand, and north interior Odisha on December 6 and 7. Uttar Pradesh and East Rajasthan may also experience these conditions on December 6.
One of the most persistent hazards will be dense fog. States in the northeast, including Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, are likely to be impacted during the early morning hours from December 6 to 10. Isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh (Dec 6-8) and Odisha (Dec 6-7) are also on alert for dense fog, which could significantly reduce visibility.
Day-wise Weather Overview
December 6: A day of multiple hazards. Isolated thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds over Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. Cold wave in isolated pockets of North Indian and Eastern states. Dense fog over parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Odisha.
December 7: Thunderstorms continue over Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Dense fog persists in Assam, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, and other northeastern states.
December 8: Dense fog continues in the northeast. Isolated snowfall/rainfall likely in the Himalayan region.
December 9: Dense fog remains the primary concern for the northeastern region, with relatively stable weather elsewhere.
The IMD's bulletin underscores a week of varied and active weather, urging residents and travelers, especially in the affected northeastern and Himalayan states, to stay updated on local advisories.
