IMD Forecasts Dense Fog, Thunderstorms Across North, Central, Eastern India From Feb 3

IMD Issues Weather Alert: Dense Fog and Thunderstorms to Grip Multiple Indian Regions

The India Meteorological Department has issued a significant weather advisory for large swathes of northern, central, and eastern India, predicting a challenging meteorological phase commencing from February 3. The forecast indicates a combination of dense fog, isolated thunderstorms, gusty winds, and hazardous marine conditions that are expected to persist through the first week of February.

Thunderstorm Activity Returns to Northern and Central Regions

According to the IMD's detailed forecast valid from February 3, isolated thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning and gusty winds is very likely across parts of northwest and central India. Specific regions identified for potential thunderstorms include:

• Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Uttar Pradesh: Expected to witness thunderstorms with wind speeds ranging between 30 and 40 kmph at isolated locations
• East Rajasthan, east Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh: Likely to experience thunderstorm activity, though without strong wind warnings in some pockets

These weather conditions are being driven by the continued influence of western disturbances affecting the western Himalayan region, along with a trough in the mid-tropospheric westerlies. The IMD has further indicated the likelihood of another fresh western disturbance impacting the western Himalayan region from the night of February 5, which could prolong unstable weather conditions in hill states and adjoining plains.

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While rainfall and snowfall amounts are not expected to be widespread after February 3, isolated to scattered precipitation may continue over the western Himalayan region in subsequent days. Additional isolated rainfall activity has been forecast for Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh until February 5.

Dense Fog Expected to Severely Disrupt Daily Life

One of the most significant weather concerns from February 3 onwards is the persistence of dense to very dense fog across the northern plains. The IMD has specifically warned about:

• February 3: Dense fog very likely at isolated places over Bihar, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, and West Madhya Pradesh
• Uttar Pradesh: Particularly expected to experience dense to very dense fog conditions at isolated locations

Fog conditions are expected to persist into February 4, with dense to very dense fog forecast again over Uttar Pradesh. The IMD has emphasized that these fog episodes are likely during night and early morning hours, significantly reducing visibility and increasing accident risks on highways and major transport corridors.

Hazardous Marine Conditions to Continue Through February 6

While land-based weather warnings may gradually ease after February 4, marine conditions remain a critical concern across southern seas. The IMD has forecast persistent squally weather over:

• The Comorin area
• Adjoining Gulf of Mannar
• Parts of the adjoining Maldives region

This marine warning period extends from February 3 through February 6, with wind speeds expected to range between 35 and 45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph during this period. Fishermen have been strongly advised not to venture into these areas due to rough sea conditions. However, from February 7 onwards, the IMD has indicated that no fisherman warnings are in force, suggesting an improvement in sea conditions toward the latter part of the forecast period.

Temperature Patterns and Public Advisory

Despite the active weather pattern, the IMD has stated that no significant change in minimum temperatures is expected over northwest, central, and east India during the next seven days. Maharashtra, however, is likely to witness a gradual rise in minimum temperatures by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius during the next three days, followed by a period of stability.

The IMD has issued specific advisories for authorities and the public:

1. State authorities and transport agencies should remain vigilant during ongoing fog and thunderstorm episodes
2. Motorists are urged to avoid high-speed travel during low-visibility conditions
3. Residents in fog-affected regions should limit outdoor exposure during early morning hours
4. Commuters and transport authorities should exercise particular caution during early morning travel windows

While no red or orange alerts have been issued beyond February 3, the persistence of fog and squally seas is expected to significantly affect transport, aviation, marine activity, and daily life across several regions of India.