The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant weather alert, forecasting a prolonged and intense spell of winter conditions across large parts of the country. From heavy snowfall in the mountains to dense fog in the plains and severe cold waves in the south, this weather system is expected to peak between December 21 and December 26, potentially disrupting daily life and holiday travel plans.
Western Himalayas Brace for Fresh Snowfall
According to the IMD bulletin, the western Himalayan region is set for a fresh bout of snowfall. Isolated to scattered snowfall is very likely over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand until December 22. The weather office has specifically predicted heavy snowfall at isolated places on December 21. This new snow activity will intensify the existing winter chill and poses a serious risk to road connectivity. Key high-altitude passes and tourist routes may face temporary closures due to accumulating snow and reduced visibility.
Dense Fog to Blanket Northern Plains, Disrupting Travel
One of the most widespread challenges will be persistent dense to very dense fog across north and east India. The IMD has warned of severely reduced visibility during night and early morning hours over several states in the coming days.
Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana are likely to experience dense fog until the morning of December 21. Similar conditions are expected in isolated pockets of Punjab and Haryana from December 25 to 27. West Uttar Pradesh is on alert for dense fog on December 26 and 27, while East Uttar Pradesh may see repeated spells on December 22, 26, and 27.
The fog cover will extend to other regions as well:
- Bihar: Dense fog from December 21 to 23.
- Jharkhand & Madhya Pradesh: Fog on December 21 and 22.
- Odisha & Northeast Rajasthan: Dense fog on December 21.
- Chhattisgarh: Similar conditions on December 21 and 22.
Critically, Christmas Day (December 25) and December 26 are likely to see dense to very dense fog over Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, which could significantly impact road and air travel during the holiday period.
Cold Wave Conditions Grip Central and Southern States
While the north deals with fog, parts of central and south India will grapple with biting cold wave conditions. The IMD has issued warnings for several states:
- Madhya Maharashtra and South Interior Karnataka: Cold wave in isolated pockets on December 21 and 22.
- Telangana: Cold wave conditions from December 21 to 23.
- North Interior Karnataka: The harshest conditions are forecast here, with cold wave to severe cold wave very likely in isolated pockets on December 21 and 22, possibly continuing on the 23rd.
Additionally, cold day conditions, where daytime temperatures remain abnormally low, are expected in isolated parts of Bihar, East Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand on December 21.
Temperature Trends: A Brief Respite Before a Sharp Drop
The IMD's temperature outlook indicates a complex pattern. Northwest India may see a short-lived rise in minimum temperatures by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius until December 22. However, this relief will be fleeting. A sharper dip is expected from December 23 to 26, with night temperatures forecast to fall by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius.
East India will see largely unchanged minimum temperatures until December 23, followed by a gradual fall of 2-3°C. The Gujarat region can expect stable nights until December 21 before a gradual dip from December 22-24. Maharashtra, central India, and the northeast are likely to see no significant change in minimums over the next week.
Public Advisory for Safety and Travel
In light of the challenging forecast, the IMD has advised the public to exercise caution. Commuters, especially those driving, are urged to use fog lights, drive carefully, and stay alert for sudden visibility drops. Travelers with plans around the Christmas weekend should proactively check flight, train, and bus schedules, as delays and cancellations are highly probable during peak fog hours in the northern regions.
