What’s the weather today: IMD warns of persistent fog and cold conditions across these Indian states

Large parts of north, northwest and central India are set to remain under the grip of dense fog and cold wave conditions till at least January 20, according to the latest All India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).According to the IMD bulletin, from January 15 onwards, cold wave conditions will prevail at isolated locations across a wide geographical stretch including Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha. In addition, persistent dense to very dense fog is likely to affect visibility across large parts of northwest India and Bihar, especially during morning and night hours.On January 15, cold wave conditions are expected at isolated places over Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. Cold day conditions are also forecast over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Punjab, raising concerns over prolonged exposure to low daytime temperatures. Dense fog is predicted in isolated pockets of Assam and Meghalaya, Bihar, east Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim.

Very dense fog conditions are likely over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand and West Uttar Pradesh.

If reports are to go by, the situation will show little improvement on January 16, with cold wave conditions continuing in isolated areas of Odisha. Dense fog is expected to persist over Assam and Meghalaya, Bihar, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand and West Bengal and Sikkim. Uttar Pradesh is likely to experience dense to very dense fog, especially during early morning and late night hours, which could severely affect road and rail movement.As of January 17, while cold wave conditions are expected to reduce slightly, dense fog is expected to continue in Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and Sikkim. Uttar Pradesh is likely to continue to be affected by very dense fog at isolated places, which suggests there will be no relief in reduced visibility conditions.The IMD forecast for January 18 suggested a continuation of fog-related disruptions, with dense fog likely at isolated places over Bihar, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand and West Bengal and Sikkim.

Again, very dense fog is expected in certain parts of Uttar Pradesh. When fog continues to prevail for a number of days, there are possibilities of transport delays and road accidents in highways and railway routes in the northern plains.On January 19 and 20, isolated areas over Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are expected to have dense fog conditions. Although there are no warnings for fishermen on these dates, it is expected that the current conditions due to fog will impact inland transport and commuting during peak hours in the morning.According to IMD, dense and very dense fog conditions will very likely extend for five to six days over northwest India and the state of Bihar, indicating a prolonged period of winter stress. Prolonged fog events are common in the month of January, and any further stress due to cold wave conditions will add to it.The transport and aviation sectors are some of the most vulnerable in weather patterns of this kind. The lack of visibility may disrupt air travel in major airports in north India, impact train schedules, and make road travel dangerous on highways.

Time may be consumed on journey schedules, in addition to increased risks of road accidents in case caution is not exercised. Power companies may face challenges with very dense fog that may result in tripping power wires in such areas.The IMD has also drawn attention to the possible human health implications for continued exposure to cold wave and fog conditions.Even though fog and cold wave conditions have now pervaded the entire region, the IMD has not issued colour-coded warnings for the period from January 15 to January 20.With winter conditions continuing to prevail over large parts of northern and central India, authorities and the general public have been advised to maintain caution, avoid outdoor exposure whenever possible, and adhere to safety precautions pertaining to travel, health, and agriculture. As fog and cold are expected to persist over the next few days, the IMD forecast underlines the need for continued preparedness across all sectors to minimize disruptions and health hazards during this inclement winter spell.