Lucknow, December 27, 2025 – Severe cold and dense fog continue to grip Uttar Pradesh as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued fresh alerts for December 28, 2025. While earlier red alerts for very dense fog have eased in some areas, orange and yellow alerts remain in place across several parts of the state, warning of persistent fog and cold day conditions.
The ongoing winter spell, characterized by northerly cold winds and low visibility, has disrupted daily life, transportation, and health across the state. Eastern Uttar Pradesh remains particularly affected, with isolated pockets likely to experience “cold day” conditions where daytime temperatures stay significantly below normal.
Latest IMD Alerts for December 28
- Orange Alert: Issued for dense to very dense fog in parts of West Uttar Pradesh, along with neighboring states like Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. This indicates “be prepared” for visibility dropping to 50-200 meters, potential disruptions, and health risks from prolonged cold exposure.
- Yellow Alert: Covers broader areas, including East Uttar Pradesh and other districts, signaling “be aware” of moderate to dense fog during night and morning hours. Cold day conditions are forecast in isolated pockets of East UP.
- Dense fog is expected to prevail till late December 28 in many areas, with some lingering into December 29-31 in isolated pockets.
Key affected regions include:
- Eastern UP: Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Lucknow (cold day likely in pockets).
- Western UP: Meerut, Ghaziabad, Agra, Bareilly, Moradabad.
- Central areas: Kanpur, Farrukhabad, Etawah.
Visibility has frequently dipped below 100 meters in urban centers, leading to hazardous driving conditions and flight delays at airports like Lucknow and Varanasi.
Temperature and Cold Wave Outlook
Minimum temperatures hover between 5-10°C across most of the state, with some plains recording as low as 4-6°C. Daytime highs struggle to rise, contributing to cold day scenarios (when maximum temperature is at least 4.5°C below normal).
No immediate major relief is expected on December 28. However:
- A feeble Western Disturbance approaching from December 29 could bring light rain or changes in wind patterns, potentially reducing fog intensity slightly by December 30-31.
- Widespread dense fog may continue into early January 2026 in parts of UP, Punjab, and Haryana, but severe cold days are likely to become isolated after December 28.
Health advisories urge caution for vulnerable groups – elderly, children, and those with respiratory issues – due to risks of hypothermia and fog-related accidents.
Impact on Travel and Daily Life
- Railways: Numerous trains delayed by 4-10 hours on routes through UP; check NTES for updates.
- Roads: Highways like Delhi-Lucknow and Agra expressways see slow traffic; use fog lights and avoid unnecessary travel.
- Aviation: Flights from major UP airports affected; monitor statuses.
Authorities recommend staying indoors during peak fog hours (midnight to 10 AM), wearing warm layers, and using heaters safely.
For the latest bulletins, visit mausam.imd.gov.in or the IMD app. As Uttar Pradesh endures this prolonged chill, residents are advised to remain vigilant for any sudden updates.