Key Points
- Cold wave warning for North and Central India, with minimum temperatures plunging as much as 5°C below normal.
- Heavy rainfall with thunderstorms predicted to drench Southern states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh through November 20.
- Delhi-NCR’s air quality remains in the ‘severe’ category, as the pollution crisis deepens.
- Localized flooding risk in southern cities, and dense fog set to blanket North Indian plains from Monday.
- IMD advises vigilance for urban flooding in southern cities and health precautions in smog-hit Delhi.
New Delhi: India’s weather is now dominated by two intense patterns. A Western Disturbance active over the Western Himalayas has triggered a rapid drop in temperatures from Jammu and Kashmir to Madhya Pradesh. Icy winds have sent mercury tumbling, with temperatures falling to their lowest so far this season. Delhi woke to a minimum of 9.7°C and Kanpur a chilling 7.5°C, with widespread reports of minimum temperatures 2–5°C below normal across the northern plains.
Cities in Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand are experiencing a pronounced chill. The IMD has flagged the possibility of a severe cold wave, especially in West Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and parts of Punjab and Haryana through midweek. Dense fog is set to blanket the northwestern plains from Monday, adding to travel hazards.
Snowfall and Rain Forecast for Hilly States
While heavy, sustained snowfall is not anticipated right away, a snowfall alert remains for select areas of Uttarakhand, such as Lahaul, Kukumseri, and Tabo, where chilly winds will maintain or intensify cold conditions. The Western Disturbance is expected to move quickly, but will likely leave a significant cold snap in its wake.
Pollution Emergency in Delhi-NCR: AQI Hits ‘Severe’
Delhi-NCR is enduring one of its worst pollution crises this winter. The Air Quality Index (AQI) registered ‘severe’ readings at 16 locations, with Bawana recording 443 and Wazirpur 434. Stubble burning, vehicular, and industrial emissions have combined with stagnant winds to push toxicity levels to hazardous highs. The Centre has imposed Grap Stage III restrictions, among other emergency measures. Schools have shifted to hybrid learning, and citizens are urged to limit outdoor activity, especially for vulnerable populations.
Southern States on High Alert: Torrential Rains Expected
A low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal set the stage for a major rain event. The IMD warns of very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms over Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and coastal Andhra Pradesh through November 20. Chennai and surrounding districts are on alert—localized flooding and waterlogging are possible, especially in urban and coastal regions. Residents are advised to avoid travel during peak spells and follow all safety guidelines.
Detailed Outlook
- November 16–20: Southern Peninsula (especially Tamil Nadu and Kerala) will witness moderate to heavy rainfall with thunderstorm warnings. Isolated places may see very heavy falls, triggering waterlogging and urban flooding.
- November 15–19: North and Central India face a severe cold wave, minimum temperatures 2–5°C below normal, and dense fog on the plains from November 17 onward.
- Delhi-NCR: Air quality remains hazardous; pollution control measures are in force; residents should expect worsening conditions as winter sets in.
Dangerous weather is forecast for most of India until November 20, with severe cold in the North and heavy rain plus flooding risk in the South. Delhi’s pollution is at emergency levels, calling for health precautions and strict adherence to advisories.
