IMD has issued a warning for very dense fog during morning hours across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi.
Large parts of northern India are set to experience severe winter conditions on January 9, with dense fog and freezing temperatures disrupting daily life and travel. At the same time, southern states are preparing for heavy rainfall due to a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for very dense fog during morning hours across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi. Similar low-visibility conditions are expected in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, with some areas likely to face near-zero visibility.
Weather experts say there may be slight improvement in fog conditions in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar by Thursday afternoon, but sunshine will remain weak. “The Sun will barely be visible through the clouds, making it a dull and cold day,” said weather analyst Devendra Tripathi of Mausam Tak.
Temperatures across north India are expected to remain well below normal. According to private weather agency Skymet, cities such as Delhi and Jaipur have already recorded the lowest temperatures of the month, and cold wave conditions may continue in parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana.
Meanwhile, southern India is bracing for heavy to very heavy rainfall. A deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal is moving towards Sri Lanka and is expected to reach the coast by the evening of January 9. This system is likely to bring heavy rain to coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.
Cloud cover has also been observed over central and eastern parts of the country, including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. While rainfall is unlikely in these regions, reduced sunlight may keep temperatures lower.
Authorities have advised fishermen not to venture into the sea, as strong winds of up to 60 km/h are expected along the southern coast.
