Weather Alert for January 14: Dense Fog, Cold Wave, and Snow Likely in Northern India on Makar Sankranti

New Delhi, January 13:
As India prepares to celebrate Makar Sankranti on January 14, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for dense fog, cold waves, and snowfall in parts of northern India. Citizens are advised to exercise caution, as weather conditions may affect festivities like kite flying and travel across several states.

Northern India Faces Cold Wave

IMD has issued warnings for Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh due to dropping temperatures. Light snowfall is expected in hilly regions, which may hamper Makar Sankranti celebrations.

While rainfall is unlikely, dense fog in six northern states could affect visibility. The IMD has specifically highlighted Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir as areas of concern. Snowfall is likely in Manali, Lahaul-Spiti (Himachal Pradesh), and Gulmarg and Pahalgam (J&K). Frost warnings have also been issued for Uttarakhand.

State-Wise Weather Forecast for January 14

Delhi: Morning cold wave with winds at 10–15 km/h; clear skies expected after 11 AM. Maximum 16°C, minimum 6°C.

Uttar Pradesh: Dense fog and cold wave; cities including Kanpur, Bareilly, Lucknow, Agra, Amethi, Meerut affected. Lucknow: Max 17°C, Min 7°C.

Bihar: Severe cold and fog expected in Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, among others. Patna: Max 16°C, Min 8°C.

Haryana: Extreme cold in Gurugram, Hisar, Narnaul; temperatures 1, 2°C; morning winds 510 km/h.

Jammu & Kashmir: Heavy snowfall expected in Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Anantnag, Baramulla, Udhampur. Srinagar: Max 8°C, Min 4°C.

Uttarakhand: Frost and low temperatures; Haridwar, Rishikesh, Nainital, Dehradun, Mussoorie affected. Mussoorie: Max 17°C, Min 6°C; Dehradun: Max 16°C, Min 6°C.

Himachal Pradesh: Snowfall likely in Manali, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti. Manali: Max 1°C, Min -13°C; Shimla: Max 16°C, Min 3°C.

Rajasthan: Cold wave in Sikar, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bharatpur, Alwar; residents advised to remain alert. Jaipur: Max 21°C, Min 8°C.

Madhya Pradesh: Dense fog and cold conditions in Chambal, Morena, Datia, Tikamgarh, Shivpuri, Niwari; temperatures in Panchmarhi and Shahdol may drop to 1–2°C. Bhopal: Max 25°C, Min 9°C.

Major Cities – Maximum & Minimum Temperatures (Jan 14)

Delhi: 16°C / 6°C

Mumbai: 29°C / 24°C

Chennai: 28°C / 23°C

Kolkata: 22°C / 12°C

Lucknow: 17°C / 7°C

Patna: 16°C / 8°C

Ranchi: 21°C / 7°C

Nainital: 15°C / 4°C

Shimla: 16°C / 3°C

Bhopal: 25°C / 9°C

Jaipur: 21°C / 8°C

Citizens are advised to take precautions against cold waves, dense fog, and slippery roads, especially while traveling or participating in Makar Sankranti celebrations like kite flying in northern and hilly regions.