New Delhi: India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe cold wave alert for North and West India over the next five days. Heavy fog, rain, and hailstorms are expected to impact large parts of the region due to a western disturbance combined with eastern winds.
The IMD has specifically cautioned that hailstorms are likely on Sunday in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab.
North India is already reeling under severe cold conditions.Visibility in regions such as Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Tripura dropped to less than 50 meters due to dense fog. In South India, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry also received rain.
Hailstorms and thunderstorms forecast
The IMD has predicted rain and snowfall across the western Himalayan region on Sunday. Thunderstorms are expected in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, western Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and parts of western Madhya Pradesh. Chhattisgarh may also experience thunderstorms.
In northeastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, rain with thunderstorms is likely on Monday. Assam and Meghalaya may also witness similar weather. The IMD has forecasted rain in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, which may persist till January 15.
Extended cold and fog likely
Saturday was marked as a cold day in several districts of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana. Ground frost has been recorded in hilly regions like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Similarly, dense fog has engulfed areas in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and parts of Bihar.
The IMD’s week-long forecast indicates that North India will remain under the grip of severe cold and dense fog throughout the week. Hilly regions like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh may continue to receive snowfall.
