IMD Alert: North India Braces for Dense Fog, South Faces Heavy Rain
India Meteorological Department issues severe weather warnings impacting travel and daily life across multiple states.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh alert for severe winter conditions across the North Indian plains. A persistent layer of dense to very dense fog is expected to envelop parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar over the next several days. Visibility is likely to drop below 50 meters in isolated areas during the morning and night hours. This weather pattern is a result of light winds and high moisture levels in the lower atmosphere over the Indo-Gangetic plains.
The fog has already caused significant disruption to surface and air travel. Several flights and trains have reported delays and cancellations. The IMD advises drivers to use fog lights and adhere to speed restrictions on highways. Airport authorities are advising passengers to check their flight status before leaving for terminals. The foggy conditions are also expected to persist during the daytime in some areas, reducing sunlight and contributing to a continued chill.
Cold Wave Conditions Prevail in Northern Regions
Alongside the fog, cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are likely in isolated pockets of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain 3 to 5 degrees Celsius below normal in these regions. The combination of low temperatures and high humidity due to fog leads to a higher perception of cold, affecting public health.
Local administrations have been advised to be prepared to provide shelter for vulnerable populations. The IMD recommends that people, especially the elderly and children, wear adequate layers of clothing to avoid hypothermia and respiratory illnesses. The cold conditions are also impacting agricultural activities in some parts of the region, with farmers taking measures to protect standing crops.
Active Eastern Weather System Triggers Southern Rainfall
In contrast to the cold north, the southern peninsula is under a separate weather alert. The IMD forecasts light to moderate rainfall at most places, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal today. This rainfall activity is attributed to an active easterly wave and the presence of a trough over the region.
Rainfall amounts could exceed 70 mm in some parts within 24 hours. The IMD has issued an orange alert for these districts, urging residents to be cautious. This spell of rain is expected to be widespread and may be accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in coastal areas. The rainfall is likely to reduce over the region by tomorrow, but isolated heavy showers may continue.
Impact on Daily Life and Precautionary Measures
The divergent severe weather events are influencing daily routines across a large part of the country. In the north, the fog and cold wave are leading to school timing adjustments, reduced outdoor activity, and increased power demand for heating. In the affected southern states, the heavy rain may cause waterlogging in low-lying areas and disrupt local transportation.
The IMD advises people in rain-affected areas to avoid standing under trees or near unstable structures during thunderstorms. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea along the Tamil Nadu coast for the next 24 hours. In urban areas, municipal corporations are on alert to manage potential drainage issues and traffic disruptions caused by the downpour.
Visibility and Travel Advisories for Northern India
For regions under the fog alert, the IMD has specific travel guidelines. Road travelers should plan journeys during daytime hours when visibility is relatively better. On railways, fog-safe devices are being used, but schedules may still be affected. The aviation sector is implementing low visibility procedures, but passengers should expect knock-on delays.
Commuters using two-wheelers are at higher risk in such conditions. The use of reflective jackets and strict adherence to lane discipline is critical. The public is advised to monitor IMD updates and official traffic police handles for real-time information on road closures and highway conditions, especially on key routes like the Yamuna and Agra-Lucknow Expressways.
Scientific Basis of the Current Weather Patterns
The current weather is driven by two primary systems. Over north India, the absence of strong western disturbances has allowed a stable, moisture-laden layer to form near the surface, leading to fog formation. The clear nights facilitate radiative cooling, dropping temperatures and creating cold wave conditions.
Simultaneously, over the south, moisture feed from the Bay of Bengal is being enhanced by the easterly wave. This system is converging over the southern coast, resulting in convective cloud formation and subsequent rainfall. The IMD uses satellite imagery, radar data, and numerical weather prediction models to track these systems and issue location-specific alerts.
Forecast for the Coming Days
The IMD's medium-range forecast indicates that dense fog conditions over the northwest plains are likely to continue for the next 3-4 days. Cold day conditions, where maximum temperatures remain significantly below normal, may also develop in some areas. There is a possibility of a slight moderation in cold wave intensity by the end of the week.
For the southern states, the heavy rain activity is expected to decrease after today, transitioning to isolated showers. However, another spell of rainfall may occur over the region early next week as per model indications. The IMD will issue subsequent updates as these weather systems evolve.
Public Health Implications
The severe weather poses direct health challenges. In the north, the fog mixed with pollutants can aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions. Doctors recommend limiting morning walks and using masks if going outdoors is necessary. The cold can also lead to seasonal flu and joint-related issues.
In the rain-affected south, the sudden drop in temperature following rain and increased humidity can cause viral infections. Stagnant water may become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, raising concerns about vector-borne diseases. Health departments in both regions are monitoring the situation closely.
Adherence to Official Information Sources
The IMD emphasizes that the public should rely only on its official bulletins and website for weather forecasts and warnings. Social media messages without official verification should be disregarded. The department's color-coded alerts (Green, Yellow, Orange, Red) are standardized indicators of severity and the required level of preparedness.
Local disaster management authorities act on these IMD alerts to coordinate ground response. Citizens are encouraged to follow instructions issued by their respective state governments and district administrations, which tailor national-level warnings to local contexts and needs.
A Week of Weather Vigilance
The current IMD alerts highlight the diverse and severe weather patterns affecting India. While North India contends with visibility issues and cold, parts of the South are managing excess rainfall. This situation requires citizens to stay informed through official channels and take recommended precautions seriously.
Adapting daily plans, following travel advisories, and taking simple health measures can significantly mitigate the impact of these conditions. The IMD continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as new data becomes available. The next full bulletin is expected later today, which may refine the forecasts for both regions.
About the Creator
Saad
I’m Saad. I’m a passionate writer who loves exploring trending news topics, sharing insights, and keeping readers updated on what’s happening around the world.
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