New Delhi: Large parts of the country are set to experience challenging weather conditions over the coming days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of dense fog, cold wave conditions, snowfall in the Himalayan region and spells of heavy rain in southern states.
According to the latest forecast, parts of the western Himalayan belt, including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan and Muzaffarabad, are likely to receive light to moderate rain or snowfall on January 6. Similar conditions are expected in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The weather office has also cautioned that isolated areas of Uttarakhand may witness ground frost, which could affect crops and early morning travel.
Southern states brace for heavy rain
In contrast to the cold conditions in the north, southern India is preparing for increased rainfall activity later this week. IMD has predicted light to moderate showers at isolated locations in Tamil Nadu on January 8 and 9, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
Rainfall intensity is expected to rise further, with heavy showers likely at select places in Tamil Nadu and Kerala and Mahe on January 9 and 10. Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas to stay alert, as intense rainfall could disrupt daily life.
Fog blankets north and east India
Dense to very dense fog is expected to persist during morning hours across several northern and eastern states. Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh are likely to remain under thick fog cover till January 10. East Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh may see similar conditions till January 8, while West Uttar Pradesh could experience fog till January 9.
Foggy conditions are also forecast in parts of Uttarakhand and Rajasthan till January 8, Himachal Pradesh till January 10, and East Uttar Pradesh between January 9 and 12. States such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya and other northeastern regions are also likely to face reduced visibility over the next several days.
Cold wave warnings issued
The IMD has additionally warned of cold day and severe cold day conditions in isolated pockets. East Rajasthan may experience cold days on January 6 and 7, while similar conditions are expected in West Rajasthan and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal during the same period. Parts of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Gangetic West Bengal may also face cold day conditions.
Cold wave conditions are likely to affect Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh from January 6 to 9, East Rajasthan from January 6 to 10, West Rajasthan from January 8 to 10, and parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand in the coming days.
The weather department has urged people to take precautions against cold-related health issues, remain cautious while travelling in fog-prone areas, and keep track of official advisories as weather conditions evolve across the country.
