IMD Issues Alerts for Dense Fog & Sharp Temperature Drop Across North and Eastern India
IMD Issues Alerts for Dense Fog & Sharp Temperature Drop Across North and Eastern India
— A Detailed, In-Depth Breakdown
The India Meteorological Department issued a significant weather forecast as dense to very dense fog, along with a considerable drop in minimum temperatures, has engulfed large parts of North India and parts of Eastern India during the intense winter season. These conditions are expected to cause major difficulties in travel, especially with holiday-season rush at airports, railway stations, and highways.
Below follows a comprehensive long explanation that covers why this is occurring, which areas are affected, what to expect, and how it impacts daily life and travel.
❄️ 1. Why is Dense Fog Forming? – Scientific Explanation
Winter fog is quite common across India, but this time the IMD warned that the intensity could be severe for a combination of the following meteorological factors:
1️⃣ High Moisture in the Lower Atmosphere
Recent western disturbances and light rainfall have left moisture trapped near the surface.
The moisture condenses into suspended water droplets that form thick fog layers as there is a rapid drop in temperature at night.
2️⃣ Starry Skies at Night
When skies are clear, there is rapid radiation of heat, hence the ground and air cool more quickly.
This rapid cooling encourages the formation of early morning fog.
3️⃣ Sluggish Wind Speeds
Winter winds are notably extremely light in many regions of North and East India.
Low wind speed delays the dispersion of fog, making it persist well into the morning.
4️⃣ Contaminación + Niebla = “Smog”
Fog, especially in urban areas like Delhi, interacts with rising pollution levels.
This forms a layer of smog, which further reduces visibility and becomes health- and travel-hazardous.
Sharp Temperature Drops — What IMD Predicts ????️ 2.
IMD has stated that over the next couple of days, many of the North and East Indian states will witness a fall in temperature by 3–5°C due to:
eens blowing cold from the Western Himalayas
These winds reach Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and even West Bengal, bringing the temperature down considerably at night.
Absence of cloud cover
Clouds trap daytime heat. Without them, land cools faster in winter nights.
✔️ Pervasive fog cover
This blocks sunlight, and daytime temperatures also stay low accordingly.
A combination of these factors gives cold-wave-like conditions in certain areas.
- Regions Under IMD’s Dense Fog & Cold Warning
North India
Delhi-NCR
Punjab
Haryana
Chandigarh
Uttar Pradesh (Western + Eastern)
Rajasthan (Northern parts)
Eastern India
Bihar
Jharkhand
West Bengal (Gangetic region)
Odisha (in some areas in the morning)
⏱️ Time of highest impact:
Late night to morning, 12am – 10am
In extreme conditions, fog may persist even up to 1:00 pm.
???? 4. Expected Travel Disruptions: Serious Concerns for Holiday Season
4
The IMD alert comes at an opportune time when the airports, railways and roadways have reached a high volume because of the holiday season.
✈️ Impact on Flights
Poor visibility normally forces airports to switch to CAT-II or CAT-III landing systems.
Expect:
Departures delayed
Diversions
Cancellations
Longer waiting times
Major airports likely affected:
Delhi IGI Airport
Lucknow
Varanasi
Patna
Amritsar
Impact on Train Services
Winter fog causes extensive delays in the Indian Railways.
Trains running 3–10 hours late
Signal visibility decreases
Speed limits at times (30–45 kmph)
Routes of highest impact:
Delhi–Howrah line
Delhi–Patna route
Delhi–Jammu, Delhi–Amritsar routes
Roadway Impacts
Highways in fog-prone belts become really dangerous.
Accident risks rise owing to:
Poor visibility
Overspeeding
Inadequate fog lights
National Highways in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Bihar are highly vulnerable.
Social Implications 5. Potential Day-to-Day Disruptions
Health concerns
Cold wave conditions may trigger the
Hypothermia
Cough & cold
Respiratory problems caused by smog
Problems for elderly, infants, and people with asthma
Agriculture impact
Fog affects:
Wheat growth
Mustard crops
Vegetable crops
Reduced sunlight results in a slower photosynthesis process.
✔️ Reduced Visibility for Commuters
Office-goers and school buses especially run the risk of driving on hazardous conditions.
????️ 6. How Long Will It Last? – IMD Outlook
Early winter forecasts showed that:
Can expect dense fog to prevail over the next 3–5 days.
Cold wave conditions may intensify if the wind direction remains north-westerly.
Many regions may see:
Coldest mornings of the season
Smog persists in the metro cities.
????️ 7. Precautionary Measures Recommended
For Travellers:
Check flight/train status before leaving home.
Use fog lights, avoid overspeeding.
Keep extra travel buffer time around.
Healthful For:
Wear several layers of warm clothing.
Use masks in areas where there is smog.
Keep children and elderly indoors during early mornings.
Commuting on a daily basis: Keep a distance between vehicles. Avoid sudden braking. Use hazard lights in thick fog. Conclusion ???? The IMD alert is a major warning of the arrival of severe winter conditions across North and East India. Considering that thick fog and a sharp fall in mercury levels are forecasted to worsen in the next few days, along with disruptions in traffic, people need to exercise caution on their travel plans during the holidays and keep themselves abreast of the IMD advisories.
