Severe winter hits India: Fog alerts in 18 states, snow in hills

India is enduring severe winter weather, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing fog alerts for 18 states as of Thursday. The harsh cold spell and dense fog affect visibility and travel conditions across the northern and central parts of the country.

Cold wave hits Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is experiencing a cold wave, with temperatures in Bhopal, Jabalpur, and Gwalior dropping below 7°C. Dense fog has reduced visibility to 50 meters. A cold wave alert remains for 14 districts, and residents are bracing for a severe chill over the next three days.

Snowfall in Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir

Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir are experiencing heavy snowfall. Tabo village in Lahaul-Spiti recorded -16.7°C on Wednesday. Fresh snowfall is expected in Kashmir Valley from Thursday afternoon, potentially disrupting travel. Popular hill stations like Manali and Gulmarg are attracting tourists eager to experience winter.

North India: dense fog and Cold

Northern states, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, are experiencing dense fog and biting cold. Chandigarh recorded a temperature of 11.3°C, while parts of Haryana are colder than some regions in Himachal Pradesh. Visibility in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh is severely affected, with figures as low as 80 meters in some areas.

Warmer January ahead

Despite the current cold snap, IMD Director General Mrityunjay Mahapatra predicts a warmer January across many parts of India. However, central regions like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh may experience more frequent cold waves.

India recorded its hottest year in 2024, with an average annual temperature of 25.75°C—0.65°C higher than normal. While La Niña conditions were present, they were weak and expected to dissipate soon, resulting in minimal impact on the current winter.

State-wise updates

Madhya Pradesh: A severe cold wave has hit 14 districts, with night temperatures below 5°C in several locations. Visibility is critically low in parts of the state.

Rajasthan: Rising temperatures in Jaipur and Mount Abu have provided temporary relief, but 21 districts remain under a fog alert. Churu and Pilani are among the coldest regions.

Uttar Pradesh: With 57 districts in a cold wave, temperatures in Meerut and nearby areas have dropped to 6°C. Dense fog has disrupted road and rail travel.

Chhattisgarh: A cold wave warning is in effect for two days, with Balrampur recording the lowest temperature at 6.4°C.

Punjab and Chandigarh: Seven districts, including Ludhiana and Amritsar, are under a cold wave alert. Rain forecasted from January 4 may bring some relief.

Haryana: Haryana's extreme cold continues, with Hisar recording a daytime temperature of 10.1°C. Dense fog has made travel hazardous across the state.

Delhi NCR: The national capital is experiencing icy winds and dense fog, with near-zero visibility in parts of the city. Minimum temperatures are around 5°C, with no immediate relief expected.

Dense fog and freezing temperatures have severely affected transportation. Hundreds of trains and flights have been delayed or cancelled, particularly in the northern and central regions. Road travel has also become hazardous due to poor visibility and icy conditions.

Despite the cold, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir are seeing a surge in tourists. Over 2.11 crore visitors travelled to Jammu & Kashmir in 2024, a slight increase from the previous year. Ski resorts and hill stations are bustling with activity, offering snow-covered landscapes.

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