**Dense Fog and Cold Wave Conditions Expected Across India on January 6, 2026**
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast indicating that dense fog will persist in northwest, central, east, and northeast India during the morning hours of January 6, 2026. This weather pattern is expected to exacerbate cold day conditions across several states. Cold wave alerts have been issued for isolated areas in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand, where minimum temperatures may drop further due to weak Western Disturbances.
Recent occurrences of dense fog have resulted in visibility dropping to zero meters in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, leading to significant transport disruptions and heightened public safety risks.
**Fog and Visibility Challenges**
On January 6, dense to very dense fog (with visibility below 200 meters) is anticipated in isolated regions of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, East Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan. East Uttar Pradesh is expected to experience prolonged impacts from fog until January 12, while Bihar and Assam may encounter morning haze until January 10. Reports from the past 24 hours have indicated zero visibility in Gorakhpur, Gwalior, and Jabalpur, resulting in grounded flights and traffic snarls on major highways from Delhi to Patna. Additionally, ground frost poses a threat to Uttarakhand as temperatures continue to decline.
On the morning of January 6, upper-level fog cleared from most areas in Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, and western Uttar Pradesh, allowing sunshine to return. However, this clearing is likely to lead to a sharp drop in night temperatures, which may fall by 2-3°C from current levels. A new spell of surface-level fog is expected to develop again on the morning of January 7.
**Cold Day and Wave Outlook**
Cold day conditions, characterized by maximum temperatures 4.5°C or more below normal, are likely to affect Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, East Rajasthan, and Jharkhand on January 6. West Rajasthan and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal will experience similar chills through January 7. Cold wave conditions, defined by minimum temperatures 4.5°C below normal with drops exceeding 6.5°C within 24 hours, may impact isolated areas of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh from January 6-9, East Rajasthan (January 6-10), Chhattisgarh (January 6-8), and Jharkhand (January 6-7). Minimum temperatures in Northwest and Central India are expected to decrease by 2-3°C by January 6, with plains recording lows around 2.4°C, as observed in Etawah recently. Ground frost is a concern for Uttarakhand, while light snowfall or rain may affect Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
**Driving Weather Systems**
The cold snap is being fueled by a cyclonic circulation over northwest Uttar Pradesh, another over north Pakistan, and a strong subtropical jet stream (130 knots at 12.6 km). An equatorial trough near the south Bay of Bengal is also expected to bring southern rains later in the week.
**Conclusion**
As India braces for dense fog and cold wave conditions on January 6, 2026, residents are advised to take necessary precautions to ensure safety during travel and outdoor activities. The IMD continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as needed.
**FAQ**
**What should people do during dense fog conditions?**
During dense fog, it is advisable to drive slowly, use fog lights, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to ensure safety on the roads.
