Dense Fog, Cold Day Conditions to Continue in Parts of Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow: Dense to very dense fog and cold day conditions are likely to continue across several parts of Uttar Pradesh over the next few days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for large areas of the state.

According to the Meteorological Centre in Lucknow, dense fog was reported in many districts over the past 24 hours, leading to a sharp drop in visibility. Very dense fog, with visibility falling below 50 metres, was recorded at Agra airport, Prayagraj, Kanpur airport, Bareilly, Jhansi and several other locations.

The IMD said cold day conditions were observed in many parts of western, central and eastern Uttar Pradesh. The prevailing weather has been influenced by cold northerly winds, surface-level temperature inversion and the presence of an anti-cyclone over the region. In addition, a western disturbance affecting north India and the weakening of the tropical westerly jet stream have contributed to the current conditions.

The weather department warned that dense to very dense fog is expected to persist during late night and early morning hours in several districts till December 22. Cold day to severe cold day conditions may continue in isolated areas till December 24.

According to IMD criteria, for any place where the temperature plummets below 10 degrees Celsius, a 'cold day' is declared when the maximum temperature fluctuation remains 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius below normal, while a 'severe cold day' is when the departure exceeds 6.5 degrees Celsius.

Districts likely to be affected include Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Bareilly, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Noida, Gorakhpur, Ayodhya, Sultanpur, Rae Bareli, Sitapur, Hardoi, Etawah, Mainpuri, Aligarh and Mathura.

The IMD has advised people to take necessary precautions, especially during early morning hours, and cautioned that low visibility may disrupt road, rail and air traffic. Authorities have been asked to remain alert as the situation continues to evolve.

The weather office said it will closely monitor conditions and issue further updates as required.