Parts of India are gearing up for a chilly start to the new year, with significant weather changes expected across the northern and central regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast cold wave conditions in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, accompanied by dense fog and a drop in temperatures. Additionally, snowfall and light rainfall are predicted over the Western Himalayan region as Western Disturbances make their presence felt. Here are the details
Western Disturbances to Bring Rain and Snow
A Western Disturbance, seen as a trough in middle tropospheric westerlies, is poised to affect the Western Himalayan region.
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Timeline: Light isolated to scattered rainfall/snowfall is expected between January 1-4, 2025.
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Follow-up System: A fresh disturbance is likely to impact Northwest India starting January 6, 2025.
Temperature Forecast
India is witnessing a significant drop in temperatures, with cold wave conditions expected in multiple regions. Chilling winds and falling mercury are set to dominate the coming days, bringing an intense winter experience.
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Northwest India: Minimum temperatures to drop by 3-4°C in the next 3 days.
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Central India: A fall of 3-5°C expected over the next 5 days.
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East India: Temperatures to decline by 3-4°C in the subsequent 3 days.
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Maharashtra: A 2-4°C drop is likely over the next 5 days.
Region |
Temperature Trend |
Uttar Pradesh |
Fall by 4-6°C (next 5 days) |
Punjab, Haryana, Delhi |
Fall by 3-4°C (next 3 days) |
Central India |
Fall by 3-5°C (next 5 days) |
East India |
Fall by 3-4°C (next 3 days) |
Maharashtra |
Fall by 2-4°C (next 5 days) |
Cold Wave Alerts
Cold wave warnings have been issued for Punjab and Haryana-Chandigarh from December 31, 2024, to January 2, 2025, and for Rajasthan from December 30, 2024, to January 2, 2025. In addition, cold day conditions are expected in Punjab and Haryana-Chandigarh on December 30, 2024.
Dense Fog Forecast
Dense to very dense fog is forecasted in parts of North and Northeast India. These conditions are expected to disrupt visibility during late-night and early-morning hours, creating challenges for transportation and daily routines.
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Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh: Dense to very dense fog expected during late night and early morning hours on December 30, 2024.
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Himachal Pradesh: Dense fog likely from December 30, 2024 - January 1, 2025.
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Uttar Pradesh: Foggy conditions expected on December 30, 2024.
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Rajasthan: Dense fog on December 30-31, 2024.
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Northeast India (Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura): Foggy conditions to persist until January 2, 2025.
Delhi/NCR Weather Forecast
Delhi and its surrounding areas are gearing up for cold mornings, smog-filled evenings, and fluctuating wind patterns. Dense fog is anticipated to affect visibility, with daily weather conditions varying slightly.
Date |
Morning Fog |
Wind Speed (kmph) |
Evening Smog/Fog |
Dec 30, 2024 |
Very Dense Fog |
8-10 (Afternoon) |
Smog/Shallow Fog |
Dec 31, 2024 |
Moderate/Dense Fog |
8-10 (Afternoon) |
Shallow/Moderate Fog |
Jan 1, 2025 |
Dense Fog |
14-16 (Afternoon) |
Shallow Fog |
As the cold wave sweeps across the northern and central parts of India, it's essential to stay warm and take precautions against dense fog. Travellers are advised to plan their journeys carefully, especially in regions under dense fog warnings.