New Delhi, December 8, 2025: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for cold wave and dense fog across multiple regions of the country beginning December 9, warning residents to prepare for a significant drop in temperatures and challenging weather conditions over the coming days.

According to the IMD, cold wave conditions are expected to persist over central, eastern, and northern Peninsular India from December 9 to December 12. Northwest and western India will experience similar cold conditions from December 10, continuing until December 12. The meteorological department has urged the public to remain cautious, especially in areas vulnerable to cold-related health issues.

Dense Fog Forecast

Dense fog is anticipated during the early morning hours in isolated pockets of Assam and Manipur from December 9 to December 13. In addition, parts of East Uttar Pradesh and Odisha are expected to experience dense fog on December 9 and 10. This could lead to reduced visibility on roads, affecting transportation and travel plans.

Weather Systems Driving Conditions

Several weather systems are contributing to the expected cold wave and fog:

• An upper air cyclonic circulation remains over east Bangladesh and neighboring areas.
• A Western Disturbance persists over north Pakistan, affecting northwestern India.
• A trough in the easterlies runs along the southeast Bay of Bengal, influencing eastern regions.
• The Subtropical Westerly Jet Stream continues over Northeast India, with core winds reaching up to 115 knots.

Additionally, a fresh Western Disturbance is forecast to affect the western Himalayan region from December 13, which may further impact temperatures and precipitation in northern India.

Thunderstorm Advisory

Isolated thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph are likely over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from December 8 to 10. Residents and authorities have been advised to remain alert to sudden changes in weather in these regions.

Recent Temperature Trends

In the past 24 hours, minimum temperatures have fallen below 5 degrees Celsius in several regions, including Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, and isolated areas of Himachal Pradesh. The plains also experienced a cold snap, with Faridkot and Gurdaspur in Punjab recording minimum temperatures of 4.5 degrees Celsius.

Other regions, including West Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, have reported temperatures markedly below normal. IMD forecasts a slight rise of 1–2 degrees Celsius in minimum temperatures over northwest India, Madhya Pradesh, and Gangetic West Bengal, while a decline of 1–2 degrees Celsius is expected over Gujarat, parts of northeast India, and the north Peninsular region.

Cold Wave Warnings by State

The IMD has provided detailed guidance on cold wave conditions across states:

• Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha: December 9–12
• Punjab: December 10–12
• Vidarbha and Telangana: December 9–10
• Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, North Rajasthan, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada: December 11–12

Residents are advised to take precautionary measures, particularly children, elderly individuals, and those with health conditions that can be aggravated by cold weather.

Dense Fog Regions

Dense fog is expected in:

• Assam and Manipur: December 9–13
• East Uttar Pradesh and Odisha: December 9–10

Motorists and commuters are urged to exercise caution while driving and follow traffic advisories. Delays in train and road transport are likely in areas affected by thick fog.

Advisory for Fishermen

The IMD has issued an advisory to fishermen:

• Arabian Sea (Comorin area): Avoid venturing out from December 8–13
• Bay of Bengal, including Gulf of Mannar, southwest and southeast Bay of Bengal, along Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Sri Lanka coasts: Avoid venturing out from December 8–13

Authorities have emphasized the need for adherence to safety protocols due to high winds and rough sea conditions expected during this period.

Precautionary Measures Suggested by IMD

1. Keep children and elderly individuals indoors during early morning and late night when temperatures are lowest.
2. Wear multiple layers of warm clothing and cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite.
3. Ensure proper heating arrangements at homes and hospitals, especially for vulnerable populations.
4. Exercise caution while traveling on fog-affected roads; use fog lights and drive at reduced speeds.
5. Follow official advisories and updates from local authorities for transport and weather-related instructions.

With the onset of this cold wave, residents in affected regions are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary safety measures to mitigate the impact of harsh weather. Authorities are closely monitoring conditions and issuing updates to keep the public informed about temperature changes, fog density, and potential hazards.

The IMD’s alert underscores the seasonal shift as winter intensifies across India, affecting agriculture, transport, health, and daily life. Residents in northern, eastern, and Peninsular regions should prepare for the combined effects of cold wave and dense fog over the next week.