IMD Issues Alerts as North India Braces for Cold Wave and Dense Fog

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for dense to very dense fog, cold day conditions, and chilly nights across North India over the next several days. The advisory covers Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and parts of Himachal Pradesh, where temperatures are expected to drop further due to a persistent cold wave gripping the region.

According to the IMD, dense fog is likely in the early mornings and late nights, significantly reducing visibility on roads, railways, and airports. Motorists are advised to drive cautiously, use fog lights, and maintain safe distances, while travelers are urged to check for train and flight delays.

Key Highlights of the Forecast (December 23–28, 2025):

• North India:

  • Cold Wave Continues: Minimum temperatures are falling below normal, with cities like Ludhiana, Amritsar, Delhi, Jaipur, and Chandigarh experiencing single-digit lows.

  • Dense Fog Warnings: Visibility may drop below 50 meters in parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi-NCR. The IMD has issued a “very dense fog” alert for several districts.

  • Cold Day Conditions: Daytime temperatures remain low, with Delhi forecast to hover around 11–18°C, Jaipur around 10–19°C, and Chandigarh around 9–17°C.

• Central and Western India:

  • Mild winter conditions with clear skies and occasional morning mist. Temperatures slightly above seasonal averages are expected.

• Southern India:

  • Clear to partly cloudy skies across most states. Early morning fog may occur in low-lying areas, but daytime temperatures will remain moderate.

Safety Advisory from IMD:

• Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure during early morning hours.

• Use layers to protect against cold, especially for children, the elderly, and patients with respiratory or cardiac conditions.

• Follow local travel advisories and updates from the IMD before planning road or rail travel.

IMD meteorologist Dr. Ramesh Kumar said, “North India is experiencing an intensified cold wave due to persistent western disturbances. Dense fog is likely to continue for the next 4–5 days, and residents should take precautions while traveling.”

The cold wave and foggy conditions are expected to gradually ease from December 28 onwards as western disturbances weaken, but intermittent cold spells may persist until the end of December.

With temperatures dipping further, authorities in northern states have already activated emergency measures, including the deployment of road safety units, monitoring of highways, and advisories for schools and hospitals.