Weather across India has taken a decisive turn as February begins, with the return of cold and rainy conditions across many regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings about these shifts, predicted to impact various locations from February 1 through February 6, 2025. This article examines the meteorological changes sweeping the nation and their anticipated effects on daily life.
With the warmest January since 2019 under their belts, residents of Delhi are gearing up for chilly days ahead. The capital, which recorded average maximum temperatures reaching 21.1°C, is now facing the onset of cold winds and dense fog. The IMD described the situation succinctly, indicating, "Yellow Alert for the following 12 districts: Madhubani, Supaul, Kishanganj, Araria, Madhepura, Katihar, Purnia, East Champaran, Saharsa, Sheohar, West Champaran." Such advisories have been issued due to thick fog disrupting traffic and reducing visibility significantly.
The impact of Western Disturbances—a phenomenon where moisture-laden winds interact with cold air—is key to the current weather disruptions. Forecasts suggest their influence will bring rainfall and even snowfall to regions like Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand between February 3 to 6, significantly affecting local weather patterns. This bootlegged weather from the western disturbances is expected to create hazardous conditions, particularly for those living at high altitudes who may see heavy accumulations of snow.
Meanwhile, Bihar continues to struggle under severe cold and fog as the IMD warns of dropping temperatures from February 6. Schools have adjusted their timings to protect students from the worsening conditions, running from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM from February 1 through February 8. This follow-up measure highlights the seriousness of the situation as road conditions compound the already low visibility, often leading to delays and accidents on major highways, especially routes like Patna-Gaya, where traffic incidents are reported to have increased.
A slightly less intense but still significant impact will be felt across Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, where light to moderate rain is expected between February 1 and February 4. This could create complications for farmers and outdoor activities as rising precipitation levels not only cool the region but could potentially damage crops. The same goes for eastern regions like Rajasthan and Vidarbha, where light rain could provide some respite from soaring temperatures under typical conditions, but will still dampen outdoor engagements.
Southern India finds itself bracing for heavy rainfall as well, with Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry preparing for intense storms accompanied by thunderstorms between February 1 and February 2. With weather systems stalling over these states, immediate flooding risks are present, particularly for vulnerable low-lying areas. Despite the early deluge, the broader forecast for February suggests warmer and drier conditions overall as temperatures across the country trend above normal.
The IMD’s outlook for the month of February indicates general warmth returning after the temporary influx of cooler weather, with noted rainfall levels expected to be significantly below the seasonal average. With predictions showing 81% below historical rainfall figures, regions like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are set to experience above-normal temperatures with minimized precipitation, maintaining the trend of warmer winters.
For residents across the nation, the IMD reports, "Residents should stay updated with local weather alerts to prepare for changing weather conditions." This advisement is particularly pertinent as disruptions to transportation continue, with trains and flights facing delays across Bihar, where visibility renders travel especially dangerous. Travelers are cautioned to exercise extreme vigilance and adjust their plans accordingly to avoid unnecessary hazards.
All told, as India moves beyond its unusually warm January, the shifts brought forth by February’s weather predictions mark the beginning of fluctuated conditions, creating both challenges and alterations to typical patterns. Local communication will be key to ensuring the public remains informed and safe during this transitional period. With meteorological phenomena at play affecting day-to-day life, residents are urged to monitor their local updates closely and heed caution when traveling.