By | Kalyani Mandle | PR Desk
IMD Issues Red Alert as Dense Fog and Severe Cold Grip Uttar Pradesh
Lucknow: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for over 50 districts of Uttar Pradesh, warning residents about extremely dense fog and a severe cold wave affecting large parts of the state. Visibility in several areas has dropped to just 50–100 meters, creating serious risks for commuters and daily life. Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, exercise extreme caution on roads, and follow safety guidelines during the Red Alert period.
Widespread Impact Across Uttar Pradesh
From eastern districts like Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Prayagraj to western regions including Agra, Kanpur, and Lucknow, the dense fog and plummeting temperatures have disrupted normal life. In many areas, fog persists throughout the day, not only in the early morning hours, and daytime temperatures have fallen 5–8°C below seasonal averages. These conditions have led to slower traffic, train delays, and disruptions in essential services, forcing residents to adapt to challenging weather conditions.
Effects on Daily Life and Safety Measures
The Red Alert has prompted preventive actions across multiple sectors. Transport authorities have implemented speed restrictions and extra safety measures to prevent accidents in low-visibility conditions. Several airports in the region have reported flight delays, while schools in affected districts have either adjusted timings or temporarily closed to protect students from the harsh cold and fog. Healthcare authorities have also issued warnings about cold-related illnesses, particularly among the elderly, children, and patients with respiratory problems. Citizens are advised to wear multiple layers, stay indoors during peak fog hours, and ensure vulnerable populations are adequately protected.
Comparison with Neighboring States
While northern states like Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Bihar, and Uttarakhand are experiencing low temperatures and morning fog, Uttar Pradesh is seeing a more persistent and severe situation. In most neighboring states, fog lifts by mid-morning, but in UP, it continues well into the day, reducing visibility and complicating travel and daily activities. Meteorologists emphasize that the combination of dense fog and unusually low temperatures makes UP one of the hardest-hit states in the region this week.
Historical Context: Uttar Pradesh’s Cold Track Record
Experts note that such extreme cold and dense, prolonged fog is unusual in recent years. The last time Uttar Pradesh witnessed similar conditions was in late 2019, when daytime temperatures also fell significantly below normal. While UP has occasionally experienced cold waves and fog over the past decade, the intensity, spread, and persistence of this week’s weather event are among the strongest in six years, highlighting the seriousness of the Red Alert situation.
IMD Forecast and Public Advisory
According to the IMD, dense fog and severe cold are likely to persist across Uttar Pradesh for the next few days, especially affecting eastern and central districts. Authorities have strongly urged citizens to avoid travel during peak fog hours, use headlights and fog lamps, protect children and the elderly from prolonged cold exposure, and follow official advisories regarding school timings, transport, and healthcare. Local administrations are closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions to essential services.
With the Red Alert in effect, Uttar Pradesh is experiencing one of its most challenging cold spells in recent years, and residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepared as the dense fog and winter chill continue to dominate the state’s weather.
