Cold wave conditions and dense fog are disrupting normal life across north India, while heavy rainfall and snowfall are expected in multiple states
New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued multiple weather warnings across the country, forecasting heavy rainfall with thunder, snowfall in hilly regions, dense fog in northern states and severe cold wave conditions over the next four days.
Large parts of India are experiencing severe winter conditions, with cold wave and dense fog affecting normal life. From Delhi to Dehradun, temperatures have dropped sharply, creating conditions comparable to hill stations. Dense fog has covered vast stretches of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, significantly reducing visibility and forcing motorists to use vehicle lights even during daytime hours.
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Uttar Pradesh remains under a red alert due to persistent dense fog. In Delhi, cold wave conditions continued as cloud cover and air pollution further reduced visibility. According to PTI, at least 129 flights were cancelled at Delhi airport on Saturday due to low visibility caused by dense fog.
IMD issues dense fog and cold wave warnings
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of dense to very dense fog during night and morning hours in parts of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana till December 21. Similar fog conditions are expected in isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Sikkim and northeast India on different dates over the coming week.
Cold wave conditions are likely in isolated pockets of Madhya Maharashtra and south interior Karnataka on December 21 and 22, north interior Karnataka on December 23, and Telangana between December 21 and 23.
Rainfall and snowfall forecast for hilly regions
The IMD has forecast scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall or snowfall over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan and Muzaffarabad over the next three days. Isolated to scattered rainfall or snowfall is also expected over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Heavy rainfall or snowfall is likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on December 21. People living in hilly and mountainous regions have been advised to remain cautious due to the risk of slippery roads and travel disruptions.
Four-day alert for Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
Himachal Pradesh continues to face difficult weather conditions. While monsoon rains have eased, continuous snowfall has caused distress in several areas. The IMD has issued a four-day alert for heavy rainfall and snowfall in the state, urging residents and travellers to take precautions.
Uttarakhand is also experiencing severe cold, with people relying on bonfires for warmth. According to the IMD, cold conditions may intensify further, and heavy rainfall is expected over the next four days in parts of the state.
Heavy rainfall warning for multiple states
The IMD has issued heavy rainfall alerts for Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Punjab. Heavy rainfall is also expected in Karaikal, Mahe, Puducherry and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands over the next four days. Residents in these regions have been advised to stay alert and follow local advisories.
Kerala sees cold in hills despite rainfall lull
According to the IMD, Kerala is likely to witness a lull in rainfall over the next five days, with no special warnings issued for any district. However, cold conditions continue in the hilly regions of the state.
In Munnar and surrounding estate areas in Idukki district, temperatures have dropped to zero degrees Celsius. Early morning temperatures in Munnar town were recorded at 1.7 degrees Celsius, while locals reported sub-zero temperatures in interior estate regions such as Nallathanni, Nadayar, Thenmala and Kannimala. Similar cold conditions are expected to continue in the coming days.
Temperature outlook for coming days
The IMD has stated that minimum temperatures over northwest India are likely to rise gradually by 2–3 degrees Celsius over the next three days, followed by a drop of 2–4 degrees Celsius thereafter. No significant change in minimum temperatures is expected over Maharashtra, central India and northeast India during the next seven days.
Published: 21 Dec 2025, 07:27 am IST
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