IMD Warns: Mercury to Plunge, Severe Fog & Cold Wave Grip North, Central, East India

• IMD warns of severe dense fog and cold wave conditions intensifying across North, Central, and East India.
• Dense to very dense fog is predicted for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, UP, MP, Odisha (until Jan 6, 2026), HP, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Northeastern states, affecting visibility and traffic.
• Cold wave conditions are expected in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand until January 10.
• Minimum temperatures will drop by 2-4°C in Northwest, Central, and East India, and Maharashtra, while Gujarat may see a slight rise.
• Health advisories issued for vulnerable groups (elderly, children, sick) and caution advised for travelers/drivers due to adverse weather.

Why It Matters: IMD warns of worsening cold wave, dense fog, and dropping temperatures across much of India, urging caution.