Lucknow Faces Red Fog Alert And Severe Cold Day Conditions Across City
Lucknow is under a red fog alert as dense winter fog blankets the city, reducing visibility to near-zero in several areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast severe cold day conditions over the next two to three days, affecting daily life, transport, and mobility. Eastern and central districts across Uttar Pradesh are expected to face similar low-visibility and freezing conditions, heightening risks for road, rail, and air travel.
The IMD’s Lucknow meteorological centre attributed the unusually persistent fog to an inversion layer in the lower atmosphere, combined with an anti-cyclonic circulation over western and central India and the influence of a tropical westerly jet stream over northern regions. These factors have restricted vertical air movement, allowing fog to linger throughout daytime and pushing maximum temperatures downward. A senior IMD official noted that such conditions are likely to continue until at least December 20.Several cities and air force stations have recorded extremely low visibility. Agra, Bareilly, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, and Kushinagar reported visibility below 50 metres, while Aligarh saw around 40 metres. Ballia, Bahraich, and Hardoi reported near-zero visibility, and airports including Lucknow recorded moderate fog with visibility of roughly 200 metres. Authorities have cautioned that such conditions could disrupt transport, urging commuters to adjust travel schedules and exercise heightened caution on roads.
Districts across eastern and central Uttar Pradesh—including Prayagraj, Varanasi, Jaunpur, Ghazipur, Azamgarh, Mau, Ballia, Deoria, and Kushinagar—are forecast to experience severe cold day conditions. Western and central areas such as Kanpur, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Bareilly, Agra, and Meerut are expected to face cold day temperatures. Local officials have stressed that vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and children, should take preventive measures against prolonged exposure.Urban planners and mobility experts highlight that repeated winter fog events underscore the need for climate-resilient urban design and infrastructure. Real-time traffic monitoring, dynamic scheduling for public transport, and early warning systems can mitigate disruptions, while public safety campaigns play a critical role in protecting citizens. Analysts also note that dense fog combined with dropping temperatures affects economic activity, commuter safety, and city services, prompting a reevaluation of weather-sensitive urban planning.
While the current fog is a short-term weather event, it reflects the growing importance of adaptive and sustainable city strategies in Uttar Pradesh. Authorities continue to track conditions closely, providing updates and advisories to ensure safe mobility and safeguard public health as the severe cold day period persists.
