The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast for dense to very dense fog conditions over parts of north-west India, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, for the next 4-5 days. The weather bureau also warns of continued cold wave conditions in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and north Rajasthan during this period.
Fog is a prevalent feature during this time of year, primarily due to light winds and high moisture levels near the surface across the Indo-Gangetic plains. The winter chill causes moisture to condense, forming tiny droplets that linger in the air, creating foggy conditions.
The IMD has also indicated that minimum temperatures are expected to drop by 2-4 degrees Celsius across northwest and adjoining central India over the next two days, driven by north-westerly winds from the Himalayas.
Severe Weather Conditions Expected Over the Next Week Amidst a Mild Winter Season and Reduced Rainfall PredictionsDespite these conditions, winter has been relatively mild in north India for most of the season, with colder spells and dense fog only becoming notable in late December.
The absence of strong western disturbances has contributed to the warmer-than-usual winter. These extratropical weather systems are crucial for bringing rainfall to the plains and snowfall to higher altitudes.
December saw seven western disturbances, of which only one was strong enough to bring significant weather changes, including the first snowfall of the season over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Looking ahead, the IMD forecasts that rainfall in northwest India will be 86 percent below the long-period average (LPA) from January to March. The LPA for this period is approximately 184.3 mm, indicating a significant shortfall in expected rainfall.