Weather Update: Heavy Rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Coastal Areas; Cold Wave and Dense Fog to Affect Northern States

India is set to experience a mix of weather conditions in upcoming days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts heavy rainfall, cold wave conditions, and dense fog across various regions. While some areas brace for significant rainfall and chilly conditions, others are warned of dense fog that could affect visibility, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the country.

Current Weather Systems

• Bay of Bengal: A well-marked low-pressure area is located over the southwest Bay of Bengal off the Sri Lanka coast. The system is expected to move west-northwest towards the Sri Lanka-Tamil Nadu coasts over the next 24 hours.

• Western Disturbance: A trough in middle tropospheric westerlies lies along longitude 70°E to the north of latitude 33°N.

Rainfall Forecast and Warnings

IMD has issued detailed rainfall forecasts and warnings for various regions across the country. With heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in some areas, the coming days will witness diverse weather conditions influenced by active weather systems.

Region-wise Rainfall Predictions (December 12–17, 2024)

Light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is expected over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal during December 12–13, and over Kerala & Mahe, Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam, and Rayalaseema on December 12.

Temperature Trends and Cold Weather Warnings

India is experiencing a varied temperature trend with regions in the northwest and central parts reporting a significant drop, while coastal and southern areas witness warmer-than-usual nights. Severe cold wave conditions are predicted in isolated pockets, accompanied by ground frost and dense fog in specific regions over the next few days.

The temperature forecast indicates no significant change in minimum temperatures over Northwest and Central India for the next 4-5 days. However, a gradual fall of 2-3°C is expected over East India during the next two days, with no major changes afterward. In contrast, West India is likely to see a gradual rise in minimum temperatures by 2-3°C over the next 2-3 days.

Cold Wave Warnings (December 12–16, 2024)

Cold wave conditions are expected in:

• Rajasthan, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh during the week.

• Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh on December 12–13.

Fog Warnings

IMD has issued dense fog warnings for several regions over the coming days. Late-night and early-morning hours are expected to see significant visibility reductions, posing challenges for travel and outdoor activities. Residents are advised to exercise caution and plan accordingly.

Dense fog is likely during late-night and early morning hours over:

• East Uttar Pradesh (till December 12),

• Bihar (till December 13), and

• Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim (till December 13).

Delhi NCR Weather Forecast (December 12–14, 2024)

Delhi NCR is set to experience clear skies over the next few days, accompanied by cold wave conditions at isolated places. Light winds from the northwest will prevail, with smog and mist likely during the morning and evening hours. Residents are advised to prepare for chilly mornings and evenings as temperatures remain low.

The coming days will witness diverse weather phenomena across India, including heavy rains, cold wave conditions, dense fog, and smog in select areas. Residents and fishermen are advised to follow warnings and take necessary precautions.