New Delhi: An IMD weather warning has been issued for large parts of north India as dense fog and cold wave conditions intensified on Monday, affecting visibility, travel, and daily life across several states. The India Meteorological Department said a combination of low temperatures, calm winds and high moisture levels has created favourable conditions for persistent fog during early morning and late-night hours.
States including Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan are likely to witness reduced visibility, particularly in the northern plains. The IMD cautioned that fog conditions may range from moderate to dense in isolated pockets, increasing the risk of transport disruptions over the next few days.
IMD Weather Warning Highlights Dense Fog and Cold Wave Risks
According to the IMD, minimum temperatures across parts of north India have dipped below seasonal averages, bringing cold wave conditions to several regions. In some areas, night temperatures have fallen sharply, intensifying the winter chill and raising health concerns for vulnerable populations.
Meteorologists said the absence of strong winds has prevented the dispersion of cold air near the surface, leading to prolonged low-temperature spells. Residents have been advised to take precautions, especially during early morning and late-night hours when exposure to extreme cold can pose health risks.
Impact on Travel and Transport
The dense fog north India has disrupted air, rail and road traffic, with several flights delayed at major airports and long-distance trains running behind schedule. Road visibility dropped sharply in many areas during the early hours, leading to slower traffic movement and congestion on highways.
Authorities have urged commuters to exercise caution, follow traffic advisories, and avoid non-essential travel during peak fog hours. Airlines and railway operators are closely monitoring conditions and issuing real-time updates to passengers.
Weather Conditions Behind the Fog
IMD officials attributed the prevailing conditions to stable atmospheric patterns and temperature inversion, a common winter phenomenon in north India. Under inversion conditions, colder air near the ground is trapped beneath warmer air above, preventing vertical mixing and allowing fog to persist.
The department noted that no significant western disturbance is expected in the immediate term, reducing the chances of rainfall that could otherwise help clear foggy conditions.
Advisory for the Public
As part of its IMD forecast today, the weather agency has advised residents to remain alert to updates and follow basic safety measures. These include wearing warm clothing, especially for children and elderly people, ensuring adequate indoor heating where possible, and avoiding prolonged exposure to cold air.
Health experts have also recommended maintaining hydration and seeking medical attention if symptoms related to cold stress or respiratory discomfort appear.
Outlook for the Coming Days
The IMD said fog and cold wave conditions are likely to persist over the next 48 to 72 hours, with gradual improvement possible only if wind speeds increase or weather patterns change. Until then, authorities and residents are expected to remain on alert as winter continues to assert itself across the northern region.
For now, the IMD weather warning serves as a reminder of the seasonal challenges posed by winter in north India, highlighting the need for preparedness and caution amid adverse weather conditions.
Related: Delhi Fog Triggers GRAP Stage III as AQI Slips to Severe in NCR
Related: Master India Sudden Weather Changes: Why Multiple States Are on Alert
