Weather Forecast Today: Dense fog blankets Delhi amid coldwave; IMD predicts snowfall in Kashmir, wet spell over northwest India

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a wet spell over the Western Himalayan region until January 7, with plains in northwest India expected to experience rain on January 5 and 6. Isolated heavy rainfall and snowfall are likely over Jammu and Kashmir on January 4 and 5. 

In addition to precipitation, dense fog and cold day conditions are expected to persist in parts of northwest and central India for the next two days, with gradual improvement anticipated thereafter. The IMD also predicts a gradual rise in minimum temperatures by 2-3 degree Celsius in northwest India over the next four days, followed by a subsequent drop of 2-4 degree Celsius.

Dense fog to persist in several regions

Very dense fog is likely during the late night and early morning hours in isolated areas of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. Dense fog conditions are also expected in Himachal Pradesh, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, and north Madhya Pradesh. Bihar may experience dense fog on January 4, while parts of Uttar Pradesh could see foggy conditions extending from January 7 to 9.

The IMD has also noted that there will be no significant changes in minimum temperatures in central, east, and west India, except for Gujarat, where temperatures may drop by 2-3 degree Celsius after a three-day steady phase.

Thick fog engulfs Delhi, reducing visibility to zero

Dense fog engulfed the national capital on Saturday, reducing visibility to zero in several areas, according to the weather department. The forecast predicts a partly cloudy sky for the day, with light surface winds from the northwest at speeds below 4 kmph during the morning hours. Moderate fog and smog are anticipated across most areas, with dense fog in isolated spots early in the day. By the afternoon, wind speeds are expected to pick up slightly to 4-6 kmph, shifting to the southwest direction in the evening and night, where they will slow down to less than 4 kmph.

Smog and shallow to moderate fog are also likely during the evening and night. The maximum and minimum temperatures for Saturday are expected to hover around 21 degree Celsius and 8 degree Celsius, respectively. Delhi’s air quality remained concerning, with a 24-hour average AQI of 371, classified as “very poor,” according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Hash winter conditions in Kashmir

A moderate to strong western disturbance is set to impact Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, bringing the possibility of light to moderate snowfall across most areas, with peak activity expected between Saturday night and Monday morning. Meanwhile, night temperatures have risen across much of Kashmir. The popular ski resort town of Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 4.5 degree Celsius, a significant increase from the previous night’s minus 8.6 degree Celsius, according to the Meteorological Department.

Kashmir is currently experiencing ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ the harshest 40-day period of winter, which began on December 21. This phase is characterized by heightened chances of snowfall and significantly lower temperatures. ‘Chillai-Kalan’ will conclude on January 30, followed by the 20-day ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and the 10-day ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold).