IMD Weather Alert: Heavy Rainfall and Cold Wave Across India

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather advisory highlighting the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Rayalaseema, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Yanam. Additionally, a cold wave to severe cold wave is expected to prevail across major parts of Northwest India over the next week.

Heavy Rainfall Forecast

The IMD predicts heavy rains due to a low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify and move towards the Tamil Nadu coast. Key details include:

• Tamil Nadu & Rayalaseema: Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall likely between 17th to 19th December.
• Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam: Heavy to very heavy rainfall expected on 18th and 19th December.
• Kerala & Mahe: Light to moderate rainfall with isolated thunderstorms predicted on 17th December.

Residents are advised to stay cautious due to potential waterlogging, urban flooding, and disruptions in traffic. Farmers should take precautionary measures to protect their standing crops and livestock.

Cold Wave Conditions in Northwest India

Northwest India will experience a severe dip in temperatures with cold wave conditions across several states:

• Punjab & Himachal Pradesh: Severe cold wave likely from 17th to 21st December.
• Rajasthan, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh: Cold wave conditions expected between 17th and 23rd December.
• Telangana: A cold wave is likely on 17th December.

Minimum Temperatures:

• As low as 1°C recorded in Punjab (Adampur).
• Below-normal temperatures were observed across Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana.

IMD has urged people to:

• Wear warm clothing and avoid prolonged exposure to cold.
• Take precautions to protect vulnerable groups, including children, elderly, and livestock.
• Use heaters safely with proper ventilation to avoid toxic fumes.

Fog and Frost Alerts

Dense fog conditions are expected in parts of:

• Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh: Late-night to early morning fog till 18th December.
• East Rajasthan and Assam: Foggy conditions predicted from 18th to 22nd December.

Ground frost conditions may occur in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and West Madhya Pradesh. Drivers are advised to use fog lights for safety.

Fishermen Warnings

The IMD has issued warnings for fishermen, advising them to avoid venturing into:

• Sri Lanka Coast and Gulf of Mannar during 17th–19th December.
• Southwest Bay of Bengal and Tamil Nadu coast until 21st December.

Conclusion

The IMD advises citizens to stay updated with regional weather forecasts. They should take necessary precautions for heavy rains, cold waves, and fog. Stay safe, plan your travel wisely, and ensure safety for vulnerable groups during this critical weather period.