Severe Fog and Frost Alert Across 13 Indian States: Over 300 Flights Disrupted, Train Services Slowed
India is currently grappling with a significant cold wave, accompanied by dense fog and frost, which is disrupting daily life across multiple states. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow and orange alerts for fog and cold conditions affecting the northern, central, eastern, and northeastern regions of the country. Here’s a comprehensive look at the current weather situation, its impact, and the forecast for the coming days.
Weather Alerts and Affected States
The IMD has warned of severe cold and fog across 13 states. The most impacted regions include Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, where orange alerts have been issued due to dense fog and chilly days. Additionally, yellow alerts are in place for states such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Arunachal Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh faces a dual threat with both fog and frost, prompting a yellow alert.
Northern and Central India: Extreme Weather Conditions
The northern states, particularly Himachal Pradesh, have seen significant snowfall in the higher altitudes, exacerbating the cold conditions. Snowfall in Lahoul-Spiti, Kullu, and Shimla has led to road blockages and stranded tourists. The local administration had to intervene to rescue 35 tourists trapped in snow along the Dodra-Kwar road in Shimla.
Fog and Frost in Himachal Pradesh
In Himachal Pradesh, the IMD has highlighted severe frost conditions, particularly in high-altitude regions. Snowfall has hindered traffic on key routes like the Shimla-Rampur National Highway, with areas like Fagu and Kufri experiencing significant disruptions.
Flight and Train Disruptions
The dense fog has severely impacted transportation, with over 300 flights delayed or canceled at Delhi Airport. Similarly, the Northern Railway reported delays in more than 25 trains, causing significant inconvenience to passengers. Visibility in many regions dropped to as low as 50 meters, making navigation challenging for both flights and ground transportation.
Cold Wave Grips Eastern India
The eastern states, including Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha, are also experiencing dense fog, reducing visibility and disrupting daily activities. The IMD recorded visibility levels ranging from 50 to 200 meters in these regions. The chilling weather has slowed down life, with reports of delayed trains and affected road transport.
Dense Fog in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
Visibility in Uttar Pradesh has dropped significantly, impacting rail and road traffic. Key cities like Azamgarh, Lucknow, and Bareilly reported zero visibility at times, leading to widespread delays and cancellations in public transportation services. Similarly, Bihar experienced extreme fog conditions, with places like Bhagalpur and Patna recording visibility below 100 meters.
Western Disturbance Brings Snow and Rain
A western disturbance is contributing to these harsh weather conditions, causing snowfall in the hills and rain in some plains. This phenomenon is expected to continue, further affecting the states already under severe weather alerts.
Impact on Himachal and Uttarakhand
In Himachal Pradesh, the western disturbance has led to heavy snowfall, particularly in tourist hubs like Shimla and Manali, drawing visitors but also posing risks due to blocked roads and power outages. Uttarakhand is also bracing for similar conditions, with snowfall expected in the higher reaches and cold waves sweeping across the plains.
Visibility and Temperature Updates
The IMD’s latest data shows extremely low visibility across multiple regions. For instance, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Haryana saw visibility levels drop below 50 meters in several areas. Cities like Gorakhpur, Ambala, and Rourkela reported visibility below 100 meters.
Temperature Drops in Key Regions
Several states are experiencing a sharp drop in temperatures. Punjab’s Gurdaspur recorded the lowest temperature at 5 degrees Celsius, while Haryana’s Narnaul saw temperatures dipping to 6.9 degrees Celsius. In contrast, the usually temperate Tamil Nadu hill station Udhagamandalam (Ooty) reported temperatures falling below freezing, with a minimum of -2 degrees Celsius.
IMD’s Forecast for the Coming Days
The IMD predicts that the cold wave will persist over the next few days, with dense fog and frost continuing to pose challenges across several states. Rain and snow are expected in some areas, further compounding the cold conditions. People are advised to exercise caution, especially during early morning and late evening hours when visibility is at its lowest.
Precautions and Advisories
Residents in affected areas are urged to take precautions to protect themselves from the cold. The IMD has recommended minimizing travel during peak fog hours, using fog lights when driving, and wearing multiple layers of clothing to stay warm.
