Severe Cold Wave Grips Northern India as Temperatures Plummet
Extreme Cold Conditions in Northern States
In northern India, a severe cold wave has led to temperatures nearing freezing in several regions. Weather offices reported on Monday that Gurugram in Haryana and Bathinda in Punjab recorded minimum temperatures of 0.6 degrees Celsius, while Fatehpur in Rajasthan dropped to 0.4 degrees below zero.
The National Capital Region (NCR), including Faridabad and Rewari, experienced temperatures close to zero, resulting in frost formation on the ground.
Frost and Record Low Temperatures
Frost was visible on car windows in Gurugram, and dry grass became hardened. This frost was particularly noticeable in rural areas and fields. Historical data indicates that Gurugram recorded a temperature of zero degrees Celsius on January 11, 1971. However, it remains unclear if the temperature recorded on Sunday night is a new all-time low due to insufficient data.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for continued severe cold and dense fog in northern India in the coming days. In Delhi, the minimum temperature was recorded at 3.2 degrees Celsius, which is 4.2 degrees below normal, marking the coldest January day since 2023 and the second consecutive day of cold wave conditions.
Impact on Daily Life and Weather Forecast
On Monday, Delhi's maximum temperature reached 20.6 degrees Celsius. Fog and cold wave conditions are expected to persist on Tuesday, with temperatures anticipated to range between 4 and 20 degrees Celsius. In several districts of Rajasthan, the cold has disrupted daily life, with nighttime temperatures dropping below eight degrees and severe cold waves affecting the region.
Following Fatehpur, the coldest places included Lunkaransar in Bikaner at 0.4 degrees and Churu at 1.3 degrees. In Sri Ganganagar and Karauli, temperatures hovered around 1.5 degrees. The fog has impacted transportation, and people were seen warming themselves by bonfires. The weather department has warned of severe cold for another day, advising caution for children and the elderly.
Cold Wave Continues Across Punjab and Haryana
Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh (3.3 degrees) are also experiencing extreme cold. Residents of Gurugram noted that they have not witnessed such cold in years. Surendra Paul, the director of the Chandigarh Meteorological Department, stated that severe cold conditions are expected to continue for the next three days, after which some relief may be on the horizon.
In Narnaul, Haryana, temperatures dropped to 1.2 degrees Celsius. Farmers indicated that dew is beneficial for wheat but could harm vegetables and mustard crops. Scientists have recommended light irrigation to protect the crops.
Weather Conditions in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh
In Kashmir, there has been slight relief from the extreme cold, although some parts of Dal Lake remain frozen. Srinagar recorded a temperature of 2.4 degrees below zero, while Pulwama was the coldest area in the valley at 6.5 degrees below zero.
Himachal Pradesh is expecting snowfall starting January 16, with a yellow alert issued for dense fog and cold waves in seven districts, including Chamba. The coldest place was Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti, where temperatures plummeted to 9.6 degrees below zero. In Uttar Pradesh, cities like Lucknow, Prayagraj, and Meerut continued to feel the effects of the cold, with Lucknow recording an evening temperature of 13 degrees Celsius, while other major cities in the state ranged between 13 and 19 degrees Celsius.