IMD Issues Severe Winter Weather Alerts Across North India

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued widespread weather warnings as winter conditions intensify across northern and parts of central and eastern India. Residents, commuters, and authorities are being urged to stay alert as the season brings dense fog, cold wave conditions and snowfall in many regions.

🔹 Dense Fog to Persist Over Key RegionsEarly morning and very dense fog is forecast to continue over large parts of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, and isolated pockets in Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Northeast India between 17th–22nd December. The IMD report notes visibility could fall below 50 metres in some areas during early hours — conditions that can disrupt road and rail traffic and pose serious risks for commuters.

Cities in the plains, especially along the Ganges-Yamuna belt, are waking up to thick fog that severely limits visibility on highways and urban roads.

❄️ Cold Wave Conditions Strengthen

IMD forecasts indicate cold wave conditions persisting in isolated pockets of West Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand during 18th and 19th December. Day and night temperatures have dropped sharply in recent days, with several places recording single-digit lows, compelling residents to seek added warmth and take precautions to avoid cold-related illnesses.

❄️ Snowfall in Himalayas and Hilly States

Mountain regions are bracing for snowfall as a western disturbance impacts the Western Himalayan Region. Snow is expected over parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand between 18th and 21st December, raising avalanche concerns and prompting travel advisories for high-altitude trek routes and passes.

✈️ Major Transport Disruptions Reported

The dense fog and low visibility have already begun impacting aviation and travel:

Flight delays and cancellations have been reported at major northern airports, including Lucknow, Varanasi, and Ayodhya, with multiple services diverted or rescheduled.

IndiGo Airlines has issued official advisories warning passengers of possible flight disruptions due to fog and low visibility across North and East India.

Highways in fog-prone stretches are experiencing sluggish traffic, with authorities urging slow driving and the use of fog lights.

🏙️ Urban Air Quality Concerns

In Delhi-NCR, dense fog has compounded air quality problems: the Air Quality Index (AQI) has been reported in the ‘Very Poor’ to ‘Severe’ category, which can aggravate health issues, especially among children and the elderly.

📌 IMD Advisory & Public Safety Tips

The IMD has urged the public to:

Plan travel cautiously and check weather updates before departure.

Use fog lights and maintain safe distance while driving in low visibility.

Protect vulnerable individuals (elderly, infants) from prolonged cold exposure.

Avoid unnecessary fishing activities in Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas due to forecasted squally winds.