Dense fog blankets Delhi-NCR amid biting cold wave, AQI remains ‘severe’, IMD issues alert for Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar; Check full forecast

While north India continued to shiver on Tuesday, Delhi-NCR experienced a cold morning. Cold wave conditions persisted in the national capital, prompting Delhi Airport to issue an advisory stating that low visibility procedures were in place.

This was especially evident near the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Pandav Nagar, where the plume of smoke was visible. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the region is 445, placing it in the ‘severe’ category and underlining the ongoing air quality problems in the region.

Western disturbance affects weather in North India

Clouds over the Himalayas, return of fog across the plains and slight drop in temperatures will shape the weather in North India on January 20. A western disturbance is active in the western Himalayan region and its impact will be visible over large parts of northern and northwestern India.

As a result, cloud cover will persist over the hills, creating favorable conditions for light snowfall in certain areas. Due to increased cloudiness, light snowfall may occur in some northern parts of Jammu and Kashmir and similarly in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, especially in the higher elevations and northern hill districts. Although heavy snowfall is not expected, even light snow affects travel and local temperatures in these areas, increasing the challenges faced by those living and traveling in these areas.

Dense fog returns to the plains

Dense winter fog will return to the plains, affecting visibility and transportation in many states. Moderate to heavy fog is expected over various parts of Punjab as well as northwestern parts of Punjab and Rajasthan, including areas like Ganganagar and Hanumangarh.

Strengthening westerly winds may cause a slight drop in temperatures in some parts of Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. However, the overall change will be limited and a sharp increase in cold temperatures is not expected. This slight drop in temperatures, combined with existing cold wave conditions and fog, will continue to make life difficult for residents in these states.

Meanwhile, southern India, central India and most of the northeast, including Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, are expected to remain dry and largely clear. A few clouds may be visible in Arunachal Pradesh, but there is no system in place to trigger snowfall instantly.