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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stark warning for Delhi and northern India: brace yourselves for a significant cold wave and dense fog, impacting the New Year celebrations. Following a recent spell of rain, the weather pattern is undergoing a dramatic shift, with plummeting temperatures and significantly reduced visibility expected across a wide swathe of the country. The IMD's forecast predicts a substantial decrease in minimum temperatures, with a 3-4°C drop anticipated across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Rajasthan over the next three days, followed by a period of stabilization. This drop in temperature represents a significant shift from the comparatively milder conditions recently experienced.
However, the impact of this cold wave will vary regionally. Uttar Pradesh is expected to experience a more pronounced temperature decrease, with a predicted drop of 4-6°C over the next five days. Central India, after a 24-hour period of relatively stable temperatures, will see a 3-5°C decline. Similarly, eastern India is expected to experience a temperature drop of 3-4°C over the next three days, while Maharashtra will see a decrease of 2-4°C over the next five days. This widespread temperature drop signifies a substantial meteorological change across a large part of the Indian subcontinent, potentially impacting various aspects of life, from transportation and agriculture to daily routines and public health.
The IMD's warning is particularly pertinent given the prediction of severe cold wave conditions in isolated areas of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan between December 30th and January 2nd. This necessitates heightened vigilance and preparedness, particularly for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and the homeless. The cold day conditions predicted for December 30th in isolated areas of Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana will further exacerbate the situation. Coupled with the expected dense to very dense fog during late night and early morning hours, travel will become significantly challenging and potentially hazardous. The fog’s impact extends beyond these regions. Uttar Pradesh is also expected to experience foggy conditions on December 30th, and the fog may blanket parts of Himachal Pradesh until January 1st.
The northeast is also under a fog advisory, with areas such as Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura likely to remain foggy until January 2nd. This widespread fog poses significant risks to transportation, potentially causing flight delays and disruptions to road and rail travel. Authorities in these affected regions should take preemptive measures to minimize potential disruptions and ensure public safety. This includes disseminating timely weather updates to the public, increasing road safety measures, and providing assistance to vulnerable populations. The extensive geographical area affected underlines the severity and widespread impact of this upcoming cold wave and fog, necessitating careful planning and adaptation across various sectors.
The combined impact of plummeting temperatures and dense fog will likely pose significant challenges. Reduced visibility will affect transportation, potentially leading to road accidents and delays in air and rail travel. The cold weather itself can lead to health problems, particularly for vulnerable groups. Governments and local authorities should activate emergency response plans to address potential disruptions and ensure the well-being of the population. This includes providing shelter for the homeless, disseminating public health advisories, and ensuring the smooth operation of essential services like healthcare and transportation. The forecast highlights the importance of preparedness and proactive measures to mitigate the potential impact of this severe weather event.
Source: Cold wave, dense fog warning in Delhi, north India ahead of New Year