Severe Cold and Fog Impact North India: Weather Alerts Issued
Intense Cold Grips Northern India
The northern regions of India are currently experiencing a severe cold wave, with heavy fog affecting visibility in several areas. In the higher altitudes of Jammu and Kashmir, snowfall has been reported, while rain in the plains has led to a drop in temperatures. States like Punjab and Haryana are facing increased cold conditions, and parts of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh are experiencing visibility issues due to dense fog.
Cold Wave Continues in Punjab and Haryana
On Monday, the cold wave persisted in Punjab and Haryana, although the minimum temperatures in many areas were slightly above the seasonal average. According to local meteorological reports, Amritsar recorded a minimum temperature of 9.7 degrees Celsius, which is six degrees higher than normal. Ludhiana's minimum temperature was noted at 7.2 degrees Celsius, one degree above average. Other cities in Punjab also reported similar cold conditions, with Patiala at 9.4 degrees Celsius and Pathankot at 9 degrees Celsius. Chandigarh, the joint capital of both states, recorded a minimum of 8.3 degrees Celsius, one degree above normal. In Haryana, Ambala saw a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius, three degrees higher than usual.
Jharkhand Issues Cold and Fog Alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for cold and dense fog in several districts of Jharkhand. Many areas in the state recorded minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. A 'yellow alert' was issued for Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, Latehar, and Lohardaga until 8:30 AM on Monday. Additionally, alerts for dense fog were issued for 15 districts, including Hazaribagh, Koderma, and Ranchi.
Snowfall and Rain in Kashmir
The IMD has forecast heavy snowfall and rain in the higher regions of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and northeastern Himachal Pradesh until Monday. Visibility was significantly reduced due to moderate fog, with the lowest recorded at 300 meters in Palam. The weather department noted that light fog improved visibility to 600 meters, but it dropped again to 350 meters due to winds. In Kashmir, the onset of the harsh winter period 'Chilla-e-Kalan' has brought relief after a prolonged dry spell.
Fog Disrupts Air Travel
According to the weather department, humidity levels reached 100% by 5:30 PM. Dense fog at Delhi Airport led to the cancellation of 97 flights and delays for over 200 others. Poor weather conditions also caused at least 11 flights to be canceled at Srinagar International Airport. The snowfall in Kashmir has been welcomed by locals, marking the end of a long dry period that had increased cases of common illnesses among children and the elderly.
Weather Forecast for Upcoming Days
The IMD predicts an increase in snowfall and rain in the valley over the next 48 hours. Gulmarg in North Kashmir recorded temperatures below freezing, while other weather stations in the region reported minimums between 2.5 and 3.8 degrees Celsius. The cold wave is expected to continue, with the 'Chilla-e-Kalan' period ending on January 30, followed by 'Chilla-e-Khurd' and 'Chilla-e-Bachha'.
Temperature Trends in Rajasthan
In Rajasthan, a slight increase in temperatures has been observed, although many areas still report nighttime temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. The IMD noted that the minimum temperature in Fatehpur, Sikar, was recorded at 8.9 degrees Celsius, up from 5.4 degrees Celsius previously. The weather department anticipates a drop in temperatures by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius starting December 24 due to northern winds.