As Christmas approaches, a severe cold wave is set to tighten its grip over large parts of India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued fresh alerts warning of dense fog, extremely low temperatures, and rainfall or snowfall in several regions over the coming days. From northern plains to eastern and northeastern states, winter conditions are expected to intensify, potentially disrupting daily life and transportation services.

Cold Weather Set to Intensify After Christmas

According to the IMD, weather conditions on December 25 (Christmas Day) are likely to remain largely stable in most regions. However, from December 26 onwards, a sharp increase in cold conditions is expected, accompanied by dense to very dense fog across many states.

In Delhi-NCR, areas such as Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad are currently not experiencing heavy fog despite earlier forecasts. However, temperatures are expected to drop further in the coming week. The minimum temperature in the national capital is likely to hover between 7 and 8 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature may remain around 19 to 20 degrees Celsius over the next seven days.

Dense Fog Alert for Northern and Central India

The IMD has issued dense fog warnings for several northern states. On December 29, dense fog is expected in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Punjab. In Uttarakhand, foggy conditions are likely to develop around December 28.

Madhya Pradesh is also expected to witness dense fog conditions on December 25, which may affect visibility during early morning and late evening hours. Eastern Uttar Pradesh and eastern Madhya Pradesh may experience cold day conditions on December 23, while Bihar could face prolonged cold day situations from December 23 to December 28.

States Likely to Face Extremely Dense Fog

The IMD has warned of extremely dense fog in multiple regions on different dates:

• West Bengal and Jharkhand: December 25

• Chhattisgarh: December 24

• Northeast India: December 26

• Bihar: December 26 to December 28

Additionally, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Odisha are likely to experience extremely dense fog on December 28, increasing the risk of road, rail, and air travel disruptions.

Several trains are already running late in northern India due to reduced visibility caused by fog, and further delays are expected if weather conditions worsen.

Cold Alert Issued for Several Districts of Uttar Pradesh

In Uttar Pradesh, cold and fog alerts have been issued for numerous districts, including Agra, Bareilly, Prayagraj, Kanpur, Bahraich, Azamgarh, Gorakhpur, Ballia, Ayodhya, Lucknow, Varanasi, Ghazipur, Sultanpur, Banda, Kushinagar, and the Hindon Airport area in Ghaziabad.

Foggy conditions are also expected to persist over the next two days in Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh), Amritsar and Faridkot (Punjab), and Hisar and Ambala (Haryana).

Rain and Snowfall Forecast for Hill States

The IMD has also predicted rainfall and snowfall in the higher reaches of northern India. Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad may witness rain or snow on December 23, as well as between December 27 and December 29.

Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are under a rain alert for December 28 and 29, which could further lower temperatures and intensify cold wave conditions in nearby plains.

Air Pollution Remains a Major Concern in Delhi-NCR

Alongside the cold wave, air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR continue to remain alarming. Out of 40 air quality monitoring stations in Delhi, most are reporting an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 350, which falls under the ‘Very Poor’ category.

Current AQI levels include:

• Delhi: 355

• Noida: 355

• Greater Noida: 344

• Gurugram: 316

High pollution levels combined with dense fog may worsen respiratory issues, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

What Residents Should Keep in Mind

• Avoid early morning and late-night travel where fog is expected

• Drive cautiously and use fog lights when necessary

• Stay updated with local weather advisories

• Take precautions to protect against cold-related illnesses

• People with respiratory problems should limit outdoor exposure

Conclusion

With a widespread cold wave, dense fog alerts, and the possibility of rain and snowfall, winter is set to peak across much of India during and after Christmas. While festive celebrations may continue, residents are advised to remain alert, plan travel carefully, and follow safety guidelines as weather conditions become increasingly harsh in the days ahead.