IMD issues 'Orange Alert' for Prayagraj amid Maha Kumbh Mela, predicts rain and fog

New Delhi, January 16: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange alert for Prayagraj on January 16 and 17 as the Kumbh Mela continues to attract millions of devotees.

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 According to IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy, rain and fog are expected in the region on Thursday and Friday, with significant impacts anticipated despite the fog not being extremely dense.

"There is a possibility of rain and fog today in southeast Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the Kumbh Mela area. We have issued an Orange alert for these two days. Rainfall is expected to intensify from January 18, especially in the hill states, as a third Western Disturbance (WD) is predicted around January 21-22, which may lead to rainfall in the plains," Roy explained.

She further noted that a Western Disturbance currently positioned over Pakistan, with an associated cyclonic circulation over South Haryana, is moving eastward. This system is expected to cause thunderstorms in hilly regions, rainfall in western Uttar Pradesh, and snowfall in the hill states. "Another WD is likely to impact the region between January 18-19. Typically, temperatures rise ahead of a WD and drop by 2-3°C afterward," she added.

The IMD also forecasted dense fog in parts of northwest India, including Punjab, Haryana, north Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, on January 17-18. A Yellow alert has been issued for these areas, warning of moderate to dense fog conditions. In Delhi, temperatures are expected to fall starting tomorrow morning, with fog persisting during this period.

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Highlighting other regional updates, Roy stated, "Heavy rainfall of 13 centimeters was recorded in Tirunelveli yesterday, and heavy rain is expected in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands today. Moderate to heavy rainfall is likely in Tamil Nadu by January 18, for which a Yellow alert has been issued."

Earlier, the IMD had predicted light rain and dense fog in Prayagraj for January 16, with visibility dropping to 200 meters in some areas. Despite the weather conditions, thousands of devotees gathered at Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, for a holy dip on the fourth day of the 45-day-long Maha Kumbh.

Over 6 crore pilgrims have participated in this religious congregation so far, including 3.5 crore on Makar Sankranti, January 14. The Prayagraj administration has been managing the overwhelming influx of devotees amidst the challenging weather conditions.

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