Dense fog that has affected large parts of Uttar Pradesh for the past week is likely to thin from the start of the new year, bringing brighter days and some respite from the chill, the state meteorological office has said. The department also warned of light rain in a few districts as a western disturbance over the Himalayas increases atmospheric instability.
Uttar Pradesh weather forecast
Senior meteorologist Dr Atul Kumar Singh said the active western disturbance affecting the western Himalayan region has raised instability over the atmosphere. That, he added, should help break the thick fog that has shrouded many districts, particularly in the northern and central plains.
“From 1 January, western Uttar Pradesh will see a reduction in fog density, and from 2 January the change will spread to much of eastern Uttar Pradesh,” Dr Singh said. He said the coming three to four days are likely to bring an average rise of three to five degrees Celsius in daytime temperatures for most areas, accompanied by occasional sunshine.
Forecasters indicated there is a chance of light rain or drizzle in pockets of the state on Thursday, mainly in the north-western districts. While many districts will experience warmer days, minimum temperatures may edge up in some areas, meaning nights are expected to be less severe even as daytime maxima fluctuate.
Several districts are likely to remain affected by dense fog despite the overall improvement. Officials singled out Deoria, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Maharajganj and Siddharthnagar among the areas where very dense fog could continue on Thursday. Other districts that may see persistent fog include Banda, Chitrakoot, Kaushambi, Prayagraj, Fatehpur, Sonbhadra, Mirzapur, Chandauli, Varanasi, Ghazipur and Ballia.
Road users are urged to exercise caution. The meteorological department advised drivers to avoid non-essential travel at night when visibility falls, to use headlights on low beam, and to maintain safe distances. Authorities also reminded people to check travel and flight updates, as poor visibility has previously caused delays at airports.
Local administrations will continue to monitor local conditions and issue advisories where needed. Health officials recommended that vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those with respiratory conditions, take precautions during the early morning and late evening hours when fog and cold combine.
Overall, the forecast points to a gradual easing of winter fog across much of Uttar Pradesh as the new year begins, with intermittent light rain possible and milder daytime temperatures providing temporary relief from recent cold spells.
Key Takeaways:
- Uttar Pradesh weather forecast: Dense fog expected to thin from 1–2 January, giving way to sunnier conditions and relief from the cold.
- Western disturbance increases atmospheric instability, with light rain possible in places and daytime temperatures rising 3–5°C over the next three to four days.
- Dense fog may persist in parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh including Deoria, Gorakhpur and Kushinagar; night and early-morning travel is discouraged where visibility is poor.
