New Delhi – The India Meteorological Department has issued a comprehensive IMD cold wave warning covering several regions of the country starting December 9, accompanied by dense fog conditions expected to impact daily life and transportation. The weather alert indicates that cold wave conditions will persist over central, eastern, and northern Peninsular India during December 9-12, with Northwest and Western India expected to experience similar conditions from December 10 continuing until December 12.
Widespread Cold Wave Conditions Expected
The IMD cold wave warning encompasses multiple states across different regions of India, signaling a significant drop in temperatures over the coming days. Cold wave conditions are anticipated in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha during the entire period from December 9-12, creating challenging weather conditions for residents in these central and eastern states.
Punjab is expected to experience cold wave conditions during December 10-12, while Vidarbha and Telangana will face these conditions specifically on December 9-10. The IMD cold wave warning also includes Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, north Rajasthan, Madhya Maharashtra, and Marathwada for December 11-12, indicating a progressive spread of severe cold conditions across the country.
Dense Fog Advisory Issued for Multiple States
Accompanying the IMD cold wave warning is a dense fog advisory that will significantly impact visibility during early morning hours. Dense fog is forecast in isolated pockets of Assam and Manipur from December 9-13, creating potential hazards for transportation and daily activities in the northeastern states.
East Uttar Pradesh and Odisha are expected to experience dense fog conditions on December 9 and 10, requiring residents and travelers to exercise extreme caution during these periods. The combination of cold wave and dense fog makes this weather event particularly challenging for affected regions.
Active Weather Systems Influencing Conditions
Several weather systems are currently active and contributing to the IMD cold wave warning conditions across the country. An upper air cyclonic circulation remains positioned over east Bangladesh and neighboring areas, while a Western Disturbance persists over north Pakistan, influencing weather patterns across northern India.
A trough in the easterlies runs along the southeast Bay of Bengal, and the Subtropical Westerly Jet Stream continues over Northeast India with core winds reaching up to 115 knots. These systems collectively contribute to the cold wave conditions prompting the IMD cold wave warning. Additionally, a fresh Western Disturbance is expected to affect the western Himalayan region from December 13, potentially bringing further weather changes.
Temperature Recordings and Trends
Recent temperature recordings demonstrate the severity behind the IMD cold wave warning, with minimum temperatures in the past 24 hours falling below 5 degrees Celsius in many locations across Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, and isolated parts of Himachal Pradesh. The plains recorded particularly low temperatures, with Faridkot and Gurdaspur in Punjab registering the lowest at 4.5 degrees Celsius.
Minimum temperatures were markedly below normal in parts of West Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, validating the necessity of the IMD cold wave warning for these regions. Temperature trends indicate a slight rise of 1-2 degrees Celsius expected over northwest India, Madhya Pradesh, and Gangetic West Bengal, while a fall of 1-2 degrees Celsius is likely over Gujarat and parts of northeast and north Peninsular India.
Also Read: Japan Earthquake: Powerful 7.5 Magnitude Tremor Injures 30, Triggers Tsunami
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Weather Alert
While the IMD cold wave warning primarily focuses on cold and fog conditions in mainland India, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands face different weather challenges. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are likely over these islands from December 8-10, requiring residents and visitors to remain alert for severe weather conditions.
Critical Fishermen Advisory
In conjunction with the IMD cold wave warning, authorities have issued crucial advisories for fishermen regarding sea conditions. Fishermen are strongly advised not to venture into the Arabian Sea, specifically the Comorin area, from December 8-13 due to unfavorable conditions.
The advisory extends to the Bay of Bengal, including the Gulf of Mannar, southwest and southeast Bay of Bengal, along the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Sri Lanka during December 8-13. These warnings indicate rough sea conditions that could pose serious risks to fishing and maritime activities.
Regional Impact Assessment
The IMD cold wave warning affects a vast geographical area spanning from the northeastern states to central India and extending to the northwestern plains. The widespread nature of this weather event requires coordinated responses from state governments and local authorities to protect vulnerable populations, particularly homeless individuals and those without adequate winter protection.
Agricultural activities may also be impacted by the IMD cold wave warning, as crops sensitive to cold temperatures could suffer damage. Farmers are advised to take necessary precautions to protect their crops and livestock during this period of severe cold conditions.
Safety Precautions and Preparedness
Residents in areas covered by the IMD cold wave warning should take appropriate precautions, including wearing adequate warm clothing, avoiding unnecessary outdoor exposure during early morning hours when fog is densest, and checking on elderly neighbors and vulnerable individuals. Travelers should plan journeys carefully, allowing extra time for fog-related delays and ensuring vehicles are properly maintained for winter conditions.
The comprehensive nature of this IMD cold wave warning underscores the importance of staying informed through official weather updates and following all safety advisories issued by local authorities throughout this challenging weather period.
