The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted dense to very dense fog in most of the northern India regions in the next 48 hours, and this prediction will disrupt the transportation sector because the visibility will drastically reduce in the morning and at night.
The weather agency also forecasted a light amount of rain and snowfall over elevated areas in Jammu and Kashmir, which was an indication of the beginning of a colder season in the region.
Severe Foggy Conditions will increase
IMD reports that the thick fog will spread all through Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and north Rajasthan and to some areas in Madhya Pradesh until the weekend. The intensity of fogs will most probably be at its highest level in the late night and early morning hours with to the decrease in temperature and the lack of wind.
Delhi, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Jaipur and other cities reported visibility of less than 100 metres in various pockets in the morning, and it is likely to continue.
Transport Disruptions Predicted
The governments have been urging travellers to make prior arrangements because the effect of fogs is likely to disrupt flights, road systems and rail transport.
A number of early-morning trains were also late on Friday due to poor visibility, and airlines have warned passengers to expect schedule suspensions and even cancellations if the situation worsens. People have been encouraged to drive at low speed and also use fog lights.
Wintry Conditions in Jammu and Kashmir.
In the meantime, IMD predicted that the light precipitation and snowfalls would occur in some areas of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, particularly in the elevated areas.
The new burst of rain will presumably cause the night temperature to fall, driving some areas of the Valley even deeper into sub-zero temperatures. The snowfall is a premature indication of increasing western disturbances traversing the western Himalayas.
Temperature Trend: Colder Days To Come
According to the meteorologists, the minimum temperatures are going to decrease by 2-3°C in the coming three days, making the winter chill even colder.
Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh recorded temperatures below 5 °C in some districts, and Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of approximately 6 °C.
As sunlight decreases due to mist and the weather becomes chilly, authorities have advised at-risk groups, such as children, the older generation, and those with respiratory or heart issues, not to go out in the mornings.
Smog in combination with fog can contribute to the burden of breath discomfort in cities, particularly in areas where the level of pollution is still high. It is advisable to wear masks outside and maintain clean air circulation in the house.
What to expect in coming days?
Fog conditions are projected to fade slowly within 2-3 days; nevertheless, the winter cold will increase as colder winds blow across the northern plains. Snowfall in Jammu & Kashmir could persist intermittently in the first part of next week.
Officials have urged people to be on the alert, observe travel warnings and check weather conditions frequently.
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