Heavy Rainfall, Dense Fog and Severe Cold Expected Across North India in Next 24 Hours: IMD Issues Alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued critical weather warnings for North and Central India, forecasting a severe combination of heavy rainfall, dense fog, and intense cold conditions over the next 24 hours. This sharp weather turn, driven by an active Western Disturbance, is set to disrupt travel and daily life across several states.
Key Weather Threats and Affected Regions
The IMD’s alert highlights three simultaneous hazards:
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Dense to Very Dense Fog: Expected to blanket the northern plains, severely reducing visibility to below 50 metres in Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. This poses a major risk to road, rail, and air travel.
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Heavy Rainfall: Isolated heavy showers are predicted, particularly over the hills of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and adjoining plains.
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Intensifying Cold Wave: Night and morning temperatures will plunge further, with cold wave conditions gripping parts of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
Immediate Impact: Travel Disruption and Health Risks
The dense fog is the most immediate concern, likely to cause significant transportation delays. Commuters should expect:
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Dangerous road conditions on highways.
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Possible delays and cancellations of flights and trains.
The accompanying cold wave raises public health concerns, increasing risks of cold-related illnesses, especially for vulnerable groups. Residents are advised to limit outdoor exposure during peak cold hours and dress warmly.
Cause: The Western Disturbance
The adverse weather is linked to a Western Disturbance—a winter weather system that draws moisture from the Arabian Sea, leading to widespread cloud cover, precipitation, and fog formation in northern India.
Precautions and Advisory
The IMD and authorities recommend:
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Travel: Use fog lights, drive at reduced speeds, and check flight/train schedules before departing.
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Health: Wear layered clothing, protect against hypothermia, and be mindful of respiratory issues exacerbated by the cold.
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Stay Informed: Monitor local weather updates for the latest alerts.
Also Read: Two Killed, One Injured in Hit-and-Run Crashes in Bagaha, West Champaran
Regional Forecast Summary
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Delhi-NCR: Dense fog and cold wave conditions.
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Punjab & Haryana: Severe fog with very low visibility.
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Uttar Pradesh & Bihar: Fog, rain, and cold spells.
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Central India (MP): Isolated heavy rain and cold temperatures.
With the severe weather expected to persist for the next 24-48 hours, staying updated on official IMD warnings is crucial for safety and minimizing disruption.
