Weather Alerts in India: Understanding the Impacts of Dense Fog, Cold Waves, and Rainfall in January 2025
Background Information
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been closely monitoring and forecasting various severe weather conditions across India, particularly from January 9 to 22, 2025. These warnings encompass a range of weather phenomena, including dense fog, cold waves, heavy rainfall, and thunderstorm activities, which are expected to affect different regions of the country.
Key Statistics and Data
Dense Fog
Dense to very dense fog conditions are anticipated to prevail during night and early morning hours in several regions. Here are the key details:
- Affected Areas: Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, East Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan are expected to experience dense fog from January 11 to 13[4].
- Visibility: The fog has reduced visibility to zero in some areas, significantly disrupting flights and train services. Over 150 flights were delayed by an average of 41 minutes, and 26 trains were delayed due to the dense fog[2].
- Impact on Transportation: The reduced visibility has caused substantial delays and cancellations in flight and train services, highlighting the severe impact on transportation infrastructure.
Cold Wave
Cold wave conditions have been reported in various parts of the country:
- Affected Regions: Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions have been reported in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, and Haryana[4].
- Ground Frost: Ground frost conditions were reported in isolated pockets of Uttarakhand on January 10[4].
- Temperature Fluctuations: Delhi's minimum temperature was recorded at 9.6 degrees Celsius, with maximum and minimum temperatures expected to hover between 6 and 20 degrees Celsius. Fazilka in Punjab was the coldest at 2.4°C on January 10[2].
Rainfall and Thunderstorms
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorm activities are expected in several regions:
- Heavy Rainfall: Heavy to very heavy rainfall was recorded in isolated places over Arunachal Pradesh and heavy rainfall in Assam on January 8, associated with a Western Disturbance[1].
- Light to Moderate Rainfall: Light to moderate isolated to scattered rainfall/snowfall is likely over the Western Himalayan region on January 11 and 12, and over the plains of Northwest India and adjoining central India during January 10-12[1][4].
- Thunderstorm Activity: Thunderstorm activity is expected at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, West Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh on January 11[1][4].
Temperature Trends
Temperature fluctuations are a significant aspect of the current weather scenario:
- Minimum Temperatures: The IMD forecasts a rise in minimum temperatures by 2-3°C over Northwest India during the next 3 days and a gradual fall by 2-4°C thereafter. Similar trends are expected in Central India and other regions[4].
- Regional Variations: The average temperature in India at the beginning of January is around 21.7°C, with slight increases as the month progresses[1].
Air Quality
The air quality in the affected regions has also been a concern:
- AQI Levels: The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR was recorded at 408, categorizing it as 'severe'. Neighboring areas like Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad also reported 'very poor' AQI levels[2].
Expert Opinions and Quotes
While there are no direct quotes available from the sources, the IMD's press releases emphasize the need for caution due to reduced visibility and harsh weather conditions.
"The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a moderate to very dense fog warning for many parts of North India," highlighting the severity of the situation and the potential disruptions it could cause[2].
Related Developments
Weather Systems
Several weather systems are influencing the current weather conditions:
- Western Disturbance: A Western Disturbance over northeast India led to heavy rainfall and hailstorms in various regions, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim[1][4].
- Cyclonic Circulation: A cyclonic circulation over the Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining Equatorial Indian Ocean is expected to influence weather conditions in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, and Mahe, leading to light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning[1][4].
Regional Impact
The dense fog and cold wave conditions have had a significant impact on daily life and transportation:
- Transportation Disruptions: The dense fog has significantly impacted transportation, with hundreds of flights and trains cancelled or delayed in North India. Road transportation has also been hampered due to poor visibility, with vehicles moving slowly and cautiously to avoid accidents[2].
- Daily Life: The fog and cold wave conditions have affected daily life, with vehicles using hazard lights to ensure visibility. This has led to slower traffic and increased caution among drivers[2].
Industry Impact
Aviation and Rail
The dense fog has caused substantial disruptions in aviation and rail services:
- Flight Delays: Over 150 flights were delayed by an average of 41 minutes due to the dense fog[2].
- Train Delays: 26 trains were delayed due to the reduced visibility, highlighting the impact on rail services[2].
Transportation
Road transportation has been severely affected:
- Reduced Visibility: The dense fog has reduced visibility to near zero in some areas, forcing vehicles to move slowly and cautiously[2].
- Accident Risk: The poor visibility increases the risk of accidents, making it essential for drivers to use hazard lights and drive with extreme caution.
Agriculture
While not explicitly mentioned, the cold wave and ground frost conditions can potentially impact agricultural activities:
- Crop Damage: Cold wave and ground frost conditions can damage crops, especially in regions like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Farmers need to take protective measures to mitigate these effects[4].
Future Implications
Extended Weather Forecast
The IMD's extended weather forecast provides insights into what can be expected in the coming days:
- Dense Fog: Dense fog conditions are expected to continue in various parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plains during the next 4-5 days, affecting Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, East Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan[4].
- Cold Wave: Cold wave conditions are likely to persist in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, and other regions[1][4].
Preparatory Measures
Given the severe weather conditions, it is crucial for the public to take preparatory measures:
- Stay Informed: Follow weather updates closely to stay informed about the latest conditions and forecasts.
- Use Hazard Lights: Drivers should use hazard lights while driving in foggy conditions to ensure visibility.
- Plan Ahead: Plan daily activities and travel with the weather conditions in mind to avoid disruptions.
Health and Safety
The severe cold wave and dense fog conditions pose significant health risks:
- Vulnerable Populations: The elderly and those with respiratory issues are particularly vulnerable to the harsh weather conditions. Proper precautions and safety measures are essential to mitigate these risks.
- Health Precautions: Wearing warm clothing, staying indoors during extreme cold, and using masks in poor air quality conditions can help protect health.
Conclusion
The weather alerts issued by the IMD for January 2025 highlight the potential for significant disruptions due to dense fog, cold waves, and rainfall across various regions of India. These conditions are expected to impact transportation, daily life, and potentially agricultural activities. It is crucial for the public to stay informed, take necessary precautions, and follow the IMD's updates to navigate these challenging weather conditions safely.
By understanding the key statistics, related developments, and future implications, individuals and communities can better prepare for and respond to these severe weather events, ensuring safety and minimizing disruptions. The importance of staying informed and taking preparatory measures cannot be overstated, especially in regions that are most vulnerable to these weather phenomena.
