Key Points:
- IMD confirms early winter onset across North India as temperatures drop below normal.
- Fog formation is expected in Delhi-NCR by October 20 amid declining air quality.
- Heavy rainfall forecast over Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh till October 18.
- La Niña is expected to drive a colder and longer winter this year.
New Delhi: Weather patterns across India are showing a stark north-south divide this week. While the plains of northern India are experiencing an early onset of chilly nights, southern states remain drenched under an active monsoon phase driven by multiple weather systems, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Chilly Mornings Across North India
Clear skies with dropping temperatures have settled over Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttarakhand, all classified by IMD under the “green zone” with no rain alerts in place. Minimum temperatures have dipped sharply, with Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh recording 15.5 °C on Tuesday. In the Himalayan belt, readings have touched single digits, with Dalhousie at 8.6 °C and McLeodganj at 9.8 °C, signaling the early arrival of winter.
Fog to Blanket Delhi NCR Soon
Residents of Delhi and NCR will soon witness early-morning fog formation. IMD scientist Dr. R.K. Jenamani stated that hazy conditions are already visible and are likely to intensify by October 20, with wind speeds near 10 km/h likely to reduce visibility. While temperatures continue to drop, Delhi’s air quality has slipped into the “moderate to poor” range, partly due to cold air trapping pollutants near the surface .
South India Remains Under Heavy Rainfall
The southern peninsula continues to face relentless rainfall. According to IMD’s latest forecast, heavy downpours are expected in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and coastal Andhra Pradesh till October 18. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 30–40 km/h may lash Kerala, Mahe, Tamil Nadu, Rayalaseema, and Telangana from October 13 to 16 .
Kerala is on a yellow alert, with rainfall ranging from 7 to 11 cm per day projected until October 19 . IMD explained that this persistent activity marks the transition from the southwest to the northeast monsoon in southern India, which may remain above normal this year .
La Niña to Bring Colder, Longer Winter
IMD’s climate outlook indicates that La Niña conditions in the Pacific are likely to enhance winter chill across northern India. This pattern could lead to sharper temperature differences between day and night, resulting in a colder, longer winter in the north and wetter conditions in the south .
IMD Advisory:
People in fog-prone northern regions should drive cautiously during morning hours, and residents in the southern coastal areas are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall days.
