As the new year approaches, India braces for a range of weather events, with significant changes forecasted across several regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for cold wave conditions in parts of the northwest, along with dense fog and temperature drops in many areas. Meanwhile, Western Disturbances are expected to bring light rainfall and snowfall to the Western Himalayan region. These weather shifts are likely to impact daily life, especially in the northern and central parts of the country. Here's a detailed look at the forecast.
Western Disturbances and Rainfall Forecast
A Western Disturbance currently lies as a trough over the lower and middle tropospheric westerlies along Longitude 60°E, north of Latitude 34°N. Another disturbance is expected to impact northwest India from the night of January 4, 2025.
Rainfall Forecast
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January 1–3: Light to scattered rainfall/snowfall over the Western Himalayan region.
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January 4–5: Scattered to widespread rainfall/snowfall is very likely in the same area.
Temperature Trends and Cold Wave Forecast
IMD reports significant temperature variations across the country, with cold wave conditions affecting several regions. Minimum temperatures have dropped in parts of Northwest, Central, and East India, while some areas have experienced a slight rise. The IMD forecasts further temperature dips in the coming days, along with cold wave and frost warnings in isolated pockets.
|
Region |
Temperature Change (Past 24 Hours) |
Forecast |
|
Jammu-Kashmir, Ladakh |
Drop of 1–2°C |
Gradual rise by 3–5°C after 2 days |
|
Madhya Pradesh, East Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh |
Drop of 2–5°C |
No significant change for 2 days, rise thereafter |
|
West India (Excl. Gujarat) |
No major change |
Drop of 2–4°C over the next 5 days |
Cold Wave and Frost Warnings
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Cold Wave: Likely in Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad and Himachal Pradesh on December 31.
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Cold Day Conditions: Expected in Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, and parts of Madhya Pradesh until January 1.
Ground Frost Warnings:
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Himachal Pradesh: December 31–January 2.
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Arunachal Pradesh: December 31.
Dense Fog and Visibility Concerns
Dense to very dense fog is forecasted in several regions, primarily during the late night and early morning hours.
|
Region |
Dense Fog Forecast |
|
Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh |
December 31, January 1 |
|
Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, NER States |
December 31 |
|
Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim |
Until January 1 |
Delhi/NCR Weather Forecast
The Delhi/NCR region is set to experience varied weather conditions over the next few days, including cold days, smog, and dense fog during morning and evening hours. Winds from the northwest will dominate, with speeds fluctuating between calm mornings and breezy afternoons. Here’s a detailed day-wise forecast to help you stay prepared.
|
Date |
Sky Condition |
Fog |
Wind Speed & Direction |
|
Dec 31, 2024 |
Clear |
Moderate Fog (Morning) |
NW winds, increasing to 12 kmph by afternoon |
|
Jan 1, 2025 |
Clear |
Dense Fog (Morning) |
NW winds, up to 20 kmph by afternoon |
|
Jan 2, 2025 |
Partly Cloudy |
Moderate Fog (Morning) |
NW winds, up to 20 kmph by afternoon |
Residents are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and take necessary precautions against cold waves, dense fog, and frost. Travelers should plan journeys carefully, and farmers must safeguard crops from frost damage.
