Rainfall, dense fog set to dominate north and central India

This week, dense to very dense fog conditions have enveloped northwest and central India, extending to East India from December 29. Simultaneously, lifted fog and low clouds have led to Cold Day to Severe Cold Day conditions in the plains of Northwest India since December 29.

Except for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, where heavy rainfall was reported on December 29 and extremely heavy rainfall on December 30, there has been no significant rainfall across the country.

According to the analysis of the weekly overall rainfall distribution until January 3, 2024, the cumulative All India Rainfall is at a departure of -92% from its long-period average (LPA). The seasonal cumulative rainfall departure for the Post-monsoon Season from October 1 to December 31, 2023, is -9%.

Last week, light to moderate rainfall was witnessed in south Tamil Nadu, south Kerala, and Lakshadweep. However, isolated heavy rainfall was in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Lakshadweep, and Coastal Karnataka on specific dates. Additionally, light isolated to scattered rainfall is expected in Madhya Pradesh during this week.

Looking ahead to the second week (January 11 to 17, 2024), there is no active Western Disturbance anticipated for northwest India. Light to moderate isolated to scattered rainfall is likely over south Peninsular India, with overall rainfall activity expected to be below normal across all regions.

Minimum temperatures were rising gradually by 2-3°C over East India in the first half of the week of January. Cold wave conditions were witnessed in isolated pockets over Punjab, Haryana, north Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and north Madhya Pradesh mainly during the first half of the week.

Dense to very dense fog conditions are expected in various parts of northern India, affecting visibility during specific periods.

Minimum temperatures are predicted to be below normal by 2-4°C over most parts of east and adjoining central India. Above-normal temperatures by 1-3°C are expected in most parts of the Western Himalayan Region and Gujarat. Dense fog in isolated pockets and a moderate possibility of cold waves in certain areas are anticipated during this period.

The recent weather conditions in India have been marked by dense to very dense fog, leading to Cold Day to Severe Cold Day situations in Northwest and Central India, extending to East India since December 29.

Looking ahead, the forecast indicates light to moderate rainfall in specific southern regions, while the upcoming week expects below-normal rainfall activity. The fluctuating temperatures, with rising trends in the east and adjoining central India and below-normal predictions in other areas, coupled with the persistent dense fog, underscore the dynamic and varied weather patterns across the nation.