Key Points:
- IMD issues cold wave warnings for Delhi, UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Central India
- Minimum temperatures in Delhi expected to drop to 5-8°C, potentially lowest in 10 years
- Dense fog warnings for 10-12 cities including Kanpur, Prayagraj, Chandigarh, Delhi, Shimla
- Western disturbance may cause light drizzle in Rajasthan
- Tamil Nadu faces rainfall until December 12 due to strengthened northeast monsoon
- Sub-zero temperatures recorded in parts of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh
Severe cold continues to grip North India as temperatures are steadily falling in most parts of the region. Snowfall continues in the hilly states, and temperatures are dropping significantly in the plains. According to the India Meteorological Department, cold to severe cold wave conditions are likely to persist in isolated areas of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, East and West Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, Jharkhand, and Odisha over the next three to four days.
IMD Issues Cold Wave Alert for Delhi with Dramatic Temperature Drop
The India Meteorological Department has issued a cold wave alert for several parts of the country today, December 8th. According to the IMD, dense fog is expected to begin in more than 10 cities in North India, and the department has urged people to remain vigilant. The IMD has raised new concerns for Delhiites amid rising pollution, stating that the minimum temperature in Delhi is expected to drop by 6 degrees on Monday.
Recent data shows an unusually steep decline, with some Delhi stations recording minimum temperatures near 5.7°C, which is among the lowest early-December temperatures in over 10 years. The night temperature is expected to touch 5-8°C, while daytime temperature will remain between 22-25°C. The department has warned that the chill will be accompanied by dense to moderate fog during early morning hours, potentially disrupting travel and daily activities.
Dense Fog Warning for Uttar Pradesh Spanning Multiple Days
Temperatures are dropping in almost all districts of Uttar Pradesh, with the Meteorological Department issuing a dense fog warning for the state on December 10th, 11th, and 12th. A steady decrease in temperatures will be observed across the state, with western Uttar Pradesh potentially seeing a sharp drop in temperatures today. Sunshine will be pleasant throughout the day in many parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, though temperatures will decrease significantly in the morning and evening hours.
The Meteorological Department has specifically warned that dense fog will wreak havoc in Uttar Pradesh, with visibility reduced in cities including Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Barabanki, Bareilly, Muzaffar Nagar, and Gautam Buddha Nagar during morning hours.
Mercury to Fall Further in Bihar, Dense Fog Conditions Expected
Severe cold is prevailing in all districts of Bihar, with fog engulfing many cities in the morning. The Meteorological Department has stated that temperatures may drop further in the coming days, with maximum temperatures expected to drop by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius from next week. Minimum temperatures may also fall below 8 degrees Celsius, creating challenging conditions for residents.
Dense fog may affect Patna, Bhojpur, Gopalganj, Buxar, East Champaran, West Champaran, Samastipur, and Darbhanga districts, prompting authorities to advise people to remain vigilant during this period. The cold weather is expected to intensify, particularly in Bhojpur, Saran, Buxar, and Gopalganj districts.
Rajasthan Weather: Cloudy Skies and Temperature Drop
According to the IMD, some parts of Rajasthan may remain cloudy today, with the minimum temperature potentially dropping by up to two degrees. The department says that a western disturbance may cause drizzle in some places across the state. Due to the cold wave, many areas of Rajasthan are experiencing a significant drop in mercury, with temperatures in some places dropping below 2 degrees Celsius.
The meteorological department has predicted that temperatures in Rajasthan may drop further, accompanied by dense fog in many areas. This severe cold is part of a broader weather pattern affecting northern and northwestern India.
Tamil Nadu Faces Rainfall Spell Until December 12th
While North India experiences severe cold, South India is experiencing a spell of rain. The Regional Meteorological Department of Tamil Nadu stated on Sunday that light to moderate rain is expected in many parts of the state until December 12th. The northeast monsoon has strengthened in the southern districts, leading to light to moderate rainfall across large areas.
This rainfall pattern provides a stark contrast to the freezing conditions in the north, demonstrating the diverse weather patterns across India during this period.
Dense Fog Likely to Begin in 10-12 Cities Across Northern India
Dense fog is expected to begin today in 10 to 12 cities across northern India, according to the Meteorological Department. The department stated that dense fog may be seen this week in several cities, including Kanpur, Prayagraj, Tundla, Chandigarh, Delhi, Nainital, Amritsar, and Shimla. The IMD has also issued dense fog alerts for Jaipur, Bhopal, Patna, Bhagalpur, Kolkata, Kota, and Manali.
In Himachal Pradesh, the IMD predicted dense fog in parts of the state until Wednesday, with a yellow alert issued for dense fog in parts of the reservoir area of the Bhakra dam in Bilaspur district and over some parts of the Balh valley in Mandi district during early morning hours until Monday.
Cold Wave Conditions Across Central India
Cold wave conditions have returned to the core of the country, affecting states such as Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Vidarbha. These regions are expected to experience a noticeable dip in temperatures on December 8 and 9, with isolated pockets meeting the criteria for cold wave conditions. The Weather Department mentioned in its bulletin that cold wave conditions are very likely to prevail in isolated pockets over Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and north Vidarbha.
Health Advisory and Safety Precautions
The IMD has warned that the sudden decline in minimum temperatures could increase the likelihood of various illnesses. A health advisory issued by the weather office states, “Do not ignore shivering; it is the first sign that the body is losing heat. Get indoors,” emphasizing the importance of taking precautions during this severe cold wave.
Temperature Trends and Forecast
Minimum temperatures range from 7-10°C in various regions, including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, northern Haryana, Uttarakhand, East Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh. In these areas, minimum temperatures have dropped below normal by 5.1°C or more, creating potential health hazards.
The cold wave is being driven by clear skies and northwesterly winds, which is a classic winter pattern that intensifies at night across the plains. IMD has also warned that the chill will be accompanied by dense to moderate fog during early morning hours, potentially disrupting travel and outdoor activities.
