India Weather News : Dense Fog Envelops 7 States, Disrupts Trains; Freezing Temperatures in Rajasthan and Snowfall Shuts Highways in Himachal
India Weather News : Severe winter conditions continue to grip India as dense fog and plummeting temperatures impact daily life across seven states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued fog and cold weather alerts for several regions, with visibility dropping to as low as 50 meters in parts of Uttar Pradesh. The freezing conditions have disrupted train schedules, closed schools, and halted traffic on key highways.
Fog and Train Delays in Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh, dense fog has blanketed 60 districts, leading to visibility issues and transportation disruptions.
- Kanpur: 36 trains delayed due to fog.
- Agra: 10 trains reported late arrivals.
- School Closures: Classes up to grade 8 have been suspended in Kanpur, Meerut, Agra, and Varanasi owing to severe cold.
Plunging Temperatures in Rajasthan
Northern winds have intensified the chill across Rajasthan.
- Mount Abu: The hill station recorded a minimum temperature of 0.8°C, nearing freezing levels.
- Jaipur and Other Cities: The minimum temperature dropped by 2-3°C in several regions.
Cold Day Alert in Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is reeling under the grip of icy winds.
- Cold-Day Conditions: Recorded in 18 cities, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, and Jabalpur, with daytime temperatures staying below 23°C.
- Saturday Alert: Cold-day warnings issued for Bhopal, Sagar, and five other districts.
Snowfall Disrupts Life in Himachal Pradesh
Fresh snowfall in Himachal Pradesh has brightened the weekend for tourists but created significant disruptions:
- National Highways Closed: NH-3, NH-305, and the Atal Tunnel have been shut due to heavy snowfall.
- Sub-zero Temperatures: Kukumseri recorded the lowest temperature at -12°C, while Pahalgam in Kashmir reported -11.8°C, making it the coldest spot in the region.
Weather Alerts for January 19
IMD has issued a fog and cold wave alert for multiple states on January 19:
- Dense Fog: Expected in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.
- Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms: Likely in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, and Mahe.
Rain Forecast for January 20
- Rainfall: Predicted in Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh.
- Snowfall: Heavy snowfall expected in Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg.
- Cold Wave: North Indian states to continue experiencing dense fog and chilling winds.
Tourism Boost Despite Harsh Weather
Himachal Pradesh’s snowfall has drawn tourists back to the hills. Destinations like Shimla, Manali, and Kufri are witnessing an influx of visitors, bringing a much-needed boost to the tourism sector. Weekend tourist numbers are expected to rise further, brightening the outlook for local businesses.
Punjab’s Fog and Cold Wave
Punjab remains under a dense fog alert with parts of the state also experiencing a cold wave. After two days of dry weather, some relief came as sunshine appeared briefly on Friday afternoon, raising temperatures by around 1°C.
Key Safety Measures Recommended by IMD
- Travel Caution: Avoid travel during early morning and late-night hours in fog-prone areas.
- Warm Clothing: Dress appropriately to combat the cold, especially in northern regions.
- Health Safety: Elderly individuals and children should stay indoors to avoid exposure to harsh weather.
