**Intense Coldwave Set to Hit Northern India Starting Tonight**
A severe coldwave is expected to sweep across the plains of Northern India beginning tonight, reminiscent of the extreme cold experienced in December 2019 and early 2024, according to meteorological experts. From January 8 to January 16, regions including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi may experience significant drops in daytime temperatures, ranging from 4 to 8 degrees Celsius below normal. Additionally, there is a high likelihood of persistent surface and high-level fog throughout the day.
On January 7, a notable decline in winter conditions is anticipated across vast areas of India, particularly in the northern plains, which are bracing for frigid temperatures, dense fog, and a further decrease in temperatures. Devendra Tripathi, a well-known weather vlogger, has indicated that dense to very dense fog is likely to envelop Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Jammu & Kashmir, as well as several districts in Uttar Pradesh, especially in its central and northern regions. The fog-prone area may extend from Bareilly to Bahraich, impacting major cities such as Lucknow, Ayodhya, Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, and Prayagraj.
Visibility is expected to be severely affected during early morning and late-night hours, with fog potentially lingering into the daytime in certain locations. In Madhya Pradesh, fog conditions are predicted to stretch from Rewa, Sidhi, and Singrauli to areas north of Vidisha, including Bhopal, Sagar, Satna, Panna, Rewa, and Gwalior. A further drop in minimum temperatures is likely, exacerbating cold stress, particularly during nighttime and early morning.
In the western Himalayan region, partly cloudy skies are forecasted for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, while light cloud cover may persist over Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and parts of Assam. However, these clouds are not expected to bring significant precipitation on January 7. In contrast, southern and coastal regions will experience a different weather pattern, with increased cloudiness over Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep. Light, isolated rainfall may occur in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and a few areas in Andhra Pradesh, with heavier rain anticipated around January 9-10, particularly in parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala as southern weather systems strengthen.
For the remainder of the country, including Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Gujarat, dry weather conditions are expected on January 7. While the cold wave may gradually extend southward, prevailing winds from the Bay of Bengal over Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Kerala are likely to limit the spread of severe cold to these regions for the time being.
In summary, January 7 marks the beginning of a prolonged and intense winter spell for northern and central India, with significant implications for travel, health, and agriculture in the coming days.
**FAQ**
**What should people do to prepare for the upcoming coldwave in Northern India?**
To prepare for the coldwave, individuals should dress in layers, stay indoors during peak cold hours, and ensure proper heating in their homes. It’s also advisable to check on vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with health conditions, to ensure their safety during this extreme weather.