The cold wave sweeping across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh (UP), and the rest of North India has plunged the region into a deep freeze, with biting winds and plummeting temperatures. Over the past two days, the chilly conditions have intensified, leaving people shivering despite intermittent sunshine. The situation is equally grim in the hills, where snowfall has added to the freezing conditions. Meanwhile, the iconic Dal Lake in Kashmir has begun to freeze, highlighting the severity of the cold snap.
Freezing Conditions Grip Kashmir
The picturesque Dal Lake in Srinagar presents a stunning but chilling sight as portions of the waterbody freeze over. According to the Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature in Srinagar has dropped to a bone-chilling -2.0°C, marking one of the coldest nights this season. Residents and tourists alike are experiencing the harsh beauty of Kashmir’s winter, with expectations of further snowfall across the region in the coming days.
Snowfall Forecast in Himachal Pradesh
The icy grip of winter is also evident in Himachal Pradesh, where the Meteorological Department predicts snowfall in several districts. The active western disturbance affecting Northwest India is expected to bring light to moderate snow, particularly in higher altitudes. Popular destinations like Shimla, Manali, and Kufri are bracing for significant drops in temperature, making them hotspots for winter tourism enthusiasts seeking snow-clad vistas.
Delhi’s Coldest Morning of the Season
Thursday marked the coldest morning of this winter season in the national capital, Delhi. The minimum temperature dropped to 8.5°C, which is one degree below normal for this time of year. Certain areas, such as Ayanagar and Lodhi Road, recorded even lower temperatures of 7.2°C and 8°C, respectively.
The maximum daytime temperature in Delhi hovered around 25.1°C, while humidity levels varied between 92% and 31%, creating conditions ripe for smog and fog formation. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts similar weather patterns for the coming days, with clear skies during the day but heavy smog and fog likely during the early mornings and late nights.
Cold Wave Intensifies Across Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh, the cold wave continues unabated, with icy winds lowering morning and evening temperatures significantly. Over the next 48 hours, the IMD warns of sustained strong westerly winds, which could lead to further drops in temperature.
Weather Update for Lucknow
Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, experienced a minor uptick in temperatures on Thursday, with a maximum temperature of 26.8°C and a minimum of 12.2°C. However, meteorologists predict a one-degree dip in both maximum and minimum temperatures on Friday. The first rain of the season, anticipated on December 8, is likely to intensify the chill further.
Meteorologist Dr. Atul Kumar Singh attributes this change to an active western disturbance moving across northwest India. This system is expected to bring drizzle and light rain to the Terai regions and neighboring areas, potentially triggering significant drops in both day and night temperatures.
