Key Points
- Dense fog engulfs North India with temperatures dropping to 7-12°C in several cities, making November 2024 one of the coldest in recent years
- Cyclonic circulation over Bay of Bengal triggers orange alert for Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh with heavy rainfall expected
- Cold wave conditions to persist in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand until November 21
- Snowfall forecast for Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand to intensify winter conditions in plains
- Delhi records coldest November morning in three years with minimum temperature of 12.3°C
New Delhi: The effects of cold weather are now prominently visible across northern Indian states, making it increasingly difficult for residents to venture out during morning and evening hours. According to the India Meteorological Department, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh experienced moderate to dense fog on Tuesday morning, significantly reducing visibility. Although the fog has decreased as the day progressed, meteorological forecasts indicate it will intensify further in the coming days, with dense to very dense fog conditions expected to persist until November 24.
Cold wave conditions have arrived earlier than usual this year, with several cities recording temperatures well below the seasonal average. The IMD has warned that cold wave conditions are likely to continue over central and adjoining northwest and east India during the next 2-3 days, with night temperatures expected to dip by 2-5°C in various regions. Bhopal recorded an unprecedented 5.2°C on November 17, marking the coldest November morning since records began 90 years ago in 1935.
Snowfall Alert for Himalayan States Intensifies Winter Chill
Snowfall is also forecast for Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand, which is expected to further increase the cold in the plains. The Meteorological Department has issued warnings for icy winds blowing from the Himalayas, resulting in chilly mornings and sharp nighttime temperature drops across the northern plains. Dense to very dense fog conditions are likely to prevail during night and morning hours in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh until November 21, followed by dense fog for the subsequent two days.
A yellow alert for rain has been issued for several districts in Uttarakhand, including Chamoli, Haridwar, Rudraprayag, Pauri Garhwal, and Tehri Garhwal, which are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall. In Jammu and Kashmir, districts such as Udhampur, Reasi, Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar, Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, and Kupwara are also expected to receive precipitation, with snowfall likely at higher elevations.
Cyclonic Circulation Brings Heavy Rainfall to Southern States
A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal has now transformed into a cyclonic circulation, which is likely to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep. An orange alert has been issued for seven districts in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Tiruvarur, warning of extremely heavy rainfall.
The cyclonic circulation, positioned over the southeast Arabian Sea and the adjoining south Kerala coast, remains active and is influencing weather patterns across the southern region. Under the combined impact of these systems, widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is expected over Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Rayalaseema, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the coming days. Tamil Nadu is particularly likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall between November 16 and 22, with the most intense showers predicted on November 18 and 19.
Delhi-NCR Weather Forecast
The morning in Delhi and the National Capital Region was marked by cold temperatures and foggy conditions. The air humidity remains slightly high, resulting in fog during the morning hours, but bright sunshine is expected later in the day. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 12.3°C on Tuesday, marking the coldest night of the season, while the maximum temperature settled at 25.4°C, two notches below normal.
The IMD has predicted dense fog for Wednesday, with maximum and minimum temperatures expected to settle at 24°C and 12°C, respectively. The weather is expected to remain clear and dry in Delhi-NCR until November 26, with dense fog likely during morning and evening hours. Cold winds sweeping through the evening hours have added to the winter chill across the capital region.
Temperature Forecast Across Major Cities
| City | Maximum Temperature | Minimum Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 24-26°C | 12°C |
| Mumbai | 31°C | 23°C |
| Kolkata | 30°C | 22°C |
| Chennai | 29-33°C | 26°C |
| Lucknow | 28°C | 14°C |
| Patna | 27°C | 17°C |
| Ranchi | 24°C | 13°C |
| Jaipur | 25°C | 13°C |
| Ahmedabad | 29°C | 16°C |
Weather Outlook for Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
According to the Meteorological Department, strong winds are expected in districts like Kanpur, Barabanki, Etawah, Lucknow, and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday morning. Although the northerly winds will bring some relief to temperatures initially, the cold may intensify again in the coming days as western disturbances continue to affect the region. The slowing down of westerly winds in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar has brought some relief for the time being, but residents are advised to remain prepared for fluctuating temperatures.
Cold wave conditions are likely to prevail in parts of northwest India over the next three days, with night temperatures expected to dip by 2-5°C below normal. The Meteorological Department has advised people to take necessary precautions during early morning and late evening hours when temperatures are at their lowest.
Cold Wave Impact on Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan
A cold wave will continue to affect Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan from November 19 onwards. Winds in the plains may blow at speeds of 15 to 20 kilometers per hour during morning hours, adding to the chill factor. Cold wave conditions are expected to persist over isolated areas of western Rajasthan, central Maharashtra, Vidarbha, eastern Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand at different intervals between November 17 and 19.
The Meteorological Department has issued warnings for residents in these states to take adequate precautions against the cold weather, particularly vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Dense fog is also expected to affect visibility in several areas, potentially disrupting road and rail traffic.
Heavy Rainfall Expected in Tamil Nadu Districts
The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall for Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Sivaganga, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, and Theni districts in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. In the 24 hours ending Monday morning, Thirparappu in Kanyakumari district recorded the highest rainfall at 6 cm, followed by 4 cm in Sembanarkoil in Mayiladuthurai district.
Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph are anticipated over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through November 20. Local district officials are closely monitoring the weather situation and have activated disaster management protocols, including monitoring flood-prone zones and mobilizing relief teams. Citizens have been urged to stay informed through official channels and avoid waterlogged areas to ensure their safety.
