What’s today’s weather: IMD predicts cold wave, dense fog and heavy rainfall to affect large parts of India |
India is likely to witness a spell of contrasting yet challenging weather conditions from January 8 onwards, as large parts of the country come under the combined influence of cold wave conditions, persistent dense fog, and intense rainfall over southern coastal states. According to the IMD’s All India Weather Forecast Bulletin published on January 7, 09:20 pm, the coming days will see winter tightening its grip over northern, central and eastern regions, while southern India prepares for heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. The evolving weather pattern is expected to impact daily life across multiple states, affecting transport, travel plans, outdoor activities, and marine operations, particularly during the early morning and nighttime hours.On January 8 and 9, heavy rainfall is very likely at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, signalling an active weather phase over the southern peninsula. While rainfall activity dominates the south, much of north and central India is expected to experience harsh winter conditions.
Cold wave conditions are very likely to prevail at isolated places over Chhattisgarh, eastern Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Punjab and Rajasthan. These conditions may result in significantly low temperatures, particularly during nighttime and early morning hours.
IMD weather forecast
In addition, cold day conditions are very likely across Bihar, east Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Jharkhand, Punjab, sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, Uttarakhand and western Rajasthan. East Rajasthan is expected to be among the worst-affected regions, with cold day to severe cold day conditions forecast at isolated places. Ground frost is also very likely at isolated locations in Assam, Meghalaya and Uttarakhand.Visibility concerns will remain high as dense fog is very likely at isolated places over Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and western Rajasthan. Even more severe conditions, with dense to very dense fog, are expected over east Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Punjab, potentially disrupting road, rail and air travel.Over maritime regions, squally winds ranging from 35 to 45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph, are likely along and off the Sri Lanka coast, Gulf of Mannar, Comorin area, and across most parts of the southwest and southeast Bay of Bengal, indicating rough sea conditions.On January 10, rainfall activity is expected to spread further along the western coast. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, while Kerala and Mahe may receive heavy rainfall at isolated locations. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely over both regions, indicating unstable atmospheric conditions. Cold wave conditions are expected to become more localised, remaining mainly over Rajasthan, while cold day conditions are likely at isolated places over Bihar and east Rajasthan.Fog continues to be a widespread concern, with dense fog likely over Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.By January 11, rainfall activity over southern India is expected to gradually ease but not completely subside. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms with lightning are still likely at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal.Cold wave conditions may persist at isolated places over Rajasthan, while dense fog is likely across a broad swathe of the country, including Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, east Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.From January 12 to January 13, most regions are expected to see a reduction in active weather systems, with dense fog emerging as the primary weather concern.Dense fog is likely at isolated places over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, particularly during night and early morning hours.
Travel and public advisory
With dense to very dense fog, cold wave conditions and episodes of heavy rainfall forecast across different regions, residents and travellers are advised to remain cautious. This might impact road transport, train services, and airline operations, especially in the northern part of India. At the same time, heavy rain and thundershowers may affect urban mobility and routine lives in the Southern coastal states.In view of winter conditions prevailing in wide areas of the country through mid-January, it is important to note in the forecast that there is a need to be more alert and cautious, particularly in relation to morning travel.
