Red Alert Issued in Uttar Pradesh as Dense Fog Causes Disruption; Severe Cold Day Conditions Expected

Lucknow, Dec 19, 2025: Uttar Pradesh is grappling with dense fog and plummeting temperatures, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue red and orange alerts for several districts across the state. Officials have warned that the prevailing cold conditions are likely to continue over the next two to three days, affecting daily life, transportation, and public safety. According to the IMD’s Lucknow meteorological centre, the unusual intensity of fog is due to a combination of weather factors. An inversion layer in the lower atmosphere, an anti-cyclonic circulation over western and adjoining central India, and the influence of a tropical westerly jet stream over north India have caused persistent daytime fog and a noticeable drop in maximum temperatures across the region over the past 48 hours. Senior scientist Md Danish said these conditions are expected to persist at least until December 20, with many districts experiencing cold to severe cold day situations. The dense fog has significantly reduced visibility, bringing daily life to a near standstill. Extremely dense fog, where visibility dropped below 50 metres, was reported at Agra, Bareilly, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, and Kushinagar air force stations. Aligarh recorded visibility around 40 metres, while Ballia, Bahraich, and Hardoi experienced near-zero visibility. Other districts affected by dense fog include Moradabad, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Basti, and Azamgarh. Even Lucknow airport reported moderate fog, with visibility around 200 metres. The IMD has specifically cautioned eastern and central districts such as Prayagraj, Varanasi, Jaunpur, Ghazipur, Azamgarh, Mau, Ballia, Deoria, and Kushinagar to brace for severe cold day conditions. Parts of western and central UP, including Kanpur, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Bareilly, Agra, and Meerut, are likely to experience cold day conditions. Authorities have also warned that low visibility may severely impact road, rail, and air travel. Commuters are advised to exercise extreme caution, reduce speeds, and check travel schedules before starting their journeys. Traffic police and disaster management teams are on high alert to respond to accidents or disruptions caused by fog. Schools and offices may need to adjust schedules in affected areas to ensure public safety. Residents are advised to wear adequate warm clothing and take precautions against cold-related health risks, particularly children and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to hypothermia and respiratory issues. The IMD continues to monitor the situation closely and is expected to update forecasts as the weather evolves. Officials urge citizens to stay informed through reliable sources and follow safety advisories to minimize disruptions during this period of dense fog and extreme cold. Red Alert Issued in Uttar Pradesh as Dense Fog Causes Disruption; Severe Cold Day Conditions Expected Uttar Pradesh is facing severe weather as dense fog blankets large parts of the state, disrupting daily life and travel. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts, warning residents about cold to severe cold day conditions over the next few days. Authorities say the situation is likely to continue at least until December 20. According to the IMD, the thick fog is caused by a mix of weather factors: an inversion layer in the lower atmosphere, an anti-cyclonic circulation over western and central India, and a tropical westerly jet stream over north India. These conditions have lowered daytime temperatures and made visibility extremely poor in several districts. Extremely dense fog, with visibility below 50 metres, was reported in Agra, Bareilly, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, and Kushinagar. Aligarh saw around 40 metres, while Ballia, Bahraich, and Hardoi had near-zero visibility. Other affected areas include Moradabad, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Basti, and Azamgarh. Even Lucknow airport recorded moderate fog with visibility around 200 metres. Eastern and central districts like Prayagraj, Varanasi, Jaunpur, Ghazipur, Azamgarh, Mau, Ballia, Deoria, and Kushinagar are likely to see severe cold day conditions. Western and central areas including Kanpur, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Bareilly, Agra, and Meerut are expected to experience cold days. The IMD has advised residents to be cautious, especially while traveling, as low visibility can affect roads, railways, and air transport. People are encouraged to wear warm clothes and take care of children and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to the cold. Traffic and disaster management authorities are on alert to manage accidents or disruptions. Stay updated with IMD alerts and follow safety instructions to navigate these foggy and chilly days safely.