IMD Weather Alerts: Cold Wave, Fog May Disrupt New Year Travel

Year-end travel across India is likely to face disruptions as winter conditions intensify in many regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued several weather alerts for December 27, extending into the New Year, warning of cold waves, cold days, and widespread dense fog across north, east, and central India.

For travellers, this period coincides with one of the busiest holiday seasons, marked by increased traffic on highways, rail networks, and airports. Persistent cloud cover, icy winds, and lower daytime temperatures are expected to affect both urban centres and hill routes, making advance planning and schedule flexibility essential.

Red And Orange Alerts Issued For Northern Plains

The IMD’s colour-coded warning system highlights the severity of the ongoing cold spell. A red alert, indicating severe danger, has been issued for parts of East Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where prolonged cold day conditions are expected due to reduced sunlight and thick fog cover.

Orange alerts, advising residents and authorities to remain prepared, are in place across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, West Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jharkhand. These regions are likely to experience isolated cold waves and heavy to very heavy fog, especially at night and in the early morning.

Yellow alerts have been issued for Odisha, West Bengal, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, and parts of the Northeast, mainly due to fog-related visibility concerns. While less severe, these conditions can still impact daily travel and outdoor activities.

Dense Fog Raises Travel And Visibility Concerns

Dense fog is expected to remain the most disruptive weather element through the weekend. The IMD has forecast dense to very dense fog over Bihar, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, especially during late night and early morning. Similar conditions are expected in isolated areas of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Fog-related visibility reduction is likely to affect road, rail and air travel across the northern plains. Aviation authorities have warned of possible delays and diversions, with “Cat-III” low-visibility conditions anticipated at major airports. Travellers are advised to monitor flight and train schedules closely and allow additional buffer time, especially for early morning departures.

For road travellers, reduced visibility and cold-induced fatigue may increase accident risk, prompting advisories for cautious driving and limiting overnight travel where possible.

Delhi Weather Activity

In Delhi, a yellow alert has been issued for Saturday. Minimum temperatures are expected to dip by 1–2 degrees Celsius over the next 48 hours. While moderate to dense fog is likely during morning hours, skies are forecast to remain mainly clear between December 28 and 30, before turning partly cloudy again around New Year’s Eve.  

Maximum temperatures in the capital are expected to stay above normal in the coming days, offering some daytime relief despite cold mornings.

Mixed Weather Activity In South India

While northern India deals with cold and fog, other parts of the country present different travel considerations. Along the southern coast, including the Gulf of Mannar and Comorin region, squally winds up to 65 kmph are expected. Coastal travellers and those planning boat or ferry activities should check local advisories before proceeding.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands may experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds, which could impact inter-island transportation and outdoor activities.  

In the hills, a fresh western disturbance is expected to impact the Western Himalayan region in the coming days. Parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand may see isolated rainfall and snowfall, which could appeal to travellers seeking snow but may also cause temporary road closures or slow-moving traffic on mountain routes.

For those travelling during the New Year period, authorities recommend staying updated with official advisories, keeping itineraries flexible, and planning travel during daylight hours when possible.

FAQs

1. What weather alerts has the IMD issued for year-end travel? 
The IMD has issued red, orange and yellow alerts for cold waves, cold day conditions and dense fog across several states. 

2. Which regions are most affected by dense fog? 
Dense to very dense fog is expected over Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and parts of the northern plains. 

3. Will flights be affected due to fog conditions? 
Yes. Low visibility conditions may lead to delays or diversions, especially during early morning and late-night hours. 

4. How will road travel be impacted during this period? 
Reduced visibility and icy conditions may slow traffic and increase accident risk, particularly at night and early morning. 

5. Is snowfall expected in hill states during the New Year period? 
Isolated rainfall and snowfall are possible in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand due to a western disturbance.