The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued its latest forecast, indicating that while there will be no significant weather changes across most parts of India in the next five days, certain regions will experience specific weather phenomena.
One notable observation from the IMD is the return of cold wave conditions to several states in North India, including Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi. This comes after a brief respite from the cold due to recent rainy spells. The drop in temperatures is expected to bring chilly weather back to these regions, potentially impacting daily life and agricultural activities.
In terms of precipitation, the IMD predicts moderate rainfall or snowfall over Arunachal Pradesh and rainfall over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, and Tripura on February 7th. Additionally, rainfall is expected over Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand on the same day. Thunderstorm activity is forecasted over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, and Nagaland on February 7th as well.
Looking ahead, the IMD anticipates rainfall activity over north Peninsular India during February 9th to 11th, influenced by a trough over Peninsular India. This could bring relief to regions experiencing dry weather and benefit agricultural areas reliant on rainfall.
Regarding surface winds, strong winds of 15-25 kmph are expected over the plains of Northwest India for the next three days, possibly affecting outdoor activities and transportation in the region.
In addition to cold wave conditions, the IMD highlights the likelihood of dense fog in several states. Dense fog conditions are expected in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, and Odisha on February 7th. Similar foggy conditions are predicted in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura on February 8th and 9th, 2024. Dense fog can significantly reduce visibility, leading to travel disruptions and accidents, so caution is advised while commuting during these periods.
Furthermore, the IMD forecasts a drop in minimum temperatures by 2-3°C over many parts of Northwest, East, and Central India in the next three days, with no significant change thereafter. This drop in temperatures could further intensify the cold wave conditions in affected regions, necessitating precautions to prevent cold-related illnesses.
Specifically for Delhi, the IMD reports that the national capital recorded a low of 7 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, two notches below the season’s average. Strong surface winds with speeds of 20-30 kmph are expected during the day for the next two days. Wednesday’s forecast for Delhi includes mainly clear skies with mist in the morning. The minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to settle around 7 and 21 degrees Celsius, respectively. Residents of Delhi are advised to dress warmly and take precautions against cold weather conditions.
The IMD’s forecast provides valuable insights into the expected weather conditions across India, helping individuals and authorities prepare for potential challenges and take appropriate measures to mitigate any adverse impacts.