‘Yellow alert’ of cold in North India: IMD’s warning – cold wave and dense fog will increase the difficulty in the next 48 hours

New Delhi: The effect of cold and fog has intensified in the plains of North India. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for the next 48 hours, saying that cold wave conditions will persist in north-west India and the minimum temperature may drop further by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius. Along with this, there is also a possibility of dense fog in many states during morning and night.

According to the Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature in many areas of North-West India may remain two to four degrees below normal, which will further increase the severity of cold. In view of this changed weather pattern, the department has issued ‘Yellow Alert’ for many states.

Cold wave and fog warning in these states

IMD has issued yellow alert of cold wave for Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. At the same time, a warning of dense fog has been given in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and North Madhya Pradesh. Light to moderate fog is also expected in Delhi-NCR in the morning, which may affect visibility.

There may be a direct impact on transportation

The Meteorological Department has clarified in its forecast that due to dense fog, there may be a huge reduction in visibility. It is expected to have a direct impact on road, rail and air traffic. Due to fog, there may be delays in the operation of trains and flights, while the speed of vehicles on the roads may slow down. The department has advised people to get related information before travelling.

Heavy rain forecast in hilly areas

While the cold is increasing in the plains, a different form of weather can be seen in the western Himalayan region. According to IMD, there is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall at some places in the region during the next 24 hours. The Meteorological Department is continuously monitoring these activities.

IMD issued advice

In view of the increasing cold and cold wave, the Meteorological Department has also issued an advisory for the people. IMD has advised that:

• Avoid staying in cold for long.
• Use warm clothes while traveling in the morning and night.
• Follow traffic rules and advisories in foggy conditions.

The department has also clarified that at present the weather remains normal in Central and South India.