The ongoing winter season has plunged India into an extended period of frigid temperatures and harsh weather conditions. With snowfall and rainfall warnings issued across various states by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), both mountainous and lowland regions are experiencing significant impacts. From blocked roads to widespread cold waves, the situation remains critical in many areas.
Snowfall and Rain Ease in Hilly Regions
While regions such as Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand saw a brief respite on Sunday, the cold weather continues to pose challenges. Snowfall in these areas has left roads blanketed, and the administration has intensified efforts to restore normalcy. However, the chill originating from the snow-laden hills is now affecting multiple northern states, exacerbating the situation.
Delhi and NCR: Foggy Start to the Week
The national capital and its surrounding regions are enduring biting cold. On Sunday, Delhi’s temperature dropped to 13°C minimum and 18°C maximum, which is 2°C below normal. According to IMD predictions, dense fog will cover the city on Monday, with temperatures hovering around 6°C minimum and 18°C maximum.
In Haryana, Balasamand emerged as the coldest location, recording a minimum temperature of 4.6°C. Similarly, nine districts in Haryana reported temperatures below 12°C.
Fog Warning for Delhi-NCR
The IMD has alerted residents about thick fog conditions for Monday. Travelers are advised to remain cautious as visibility could significantly decrease, especially during early morning hours.
Uttar Pradesh: Cold Wave Intensifies
In Uttar Pradesh, the situation is no better. A yellow alert for fog has been issued for districts stretching from Saharanpur to Gorakhpur and Kanpur. Several cities in the state may experience temperature drops as low as 3°C or 4°C, leading to cold wave-like conditions. Residents are urged to stay indoors and take necessary precautions against the harsh weather.
Rajasthan: Severe Cold and Dense Fog
In Rajasthan, the IMD has forecast cold waves and dense fog across multiple districts. Regions including Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Bikaner, Churu, Udaipur, and Jaipur are under yellow alerts for extreme weather. Some areas could witness temperatures plunging further, exacerbating the discomfort caused by foggy conditions.
Other regions like Alwar, Nagaur, and Jhunjhunu are expected to grapple with a combination of freezing temperatures and poor visibility.
Punjab: Persistent Rain and Low Visibility
Punjab’s northern districts saw light rainfall on Sunday, while six regions recorded minimum temperatures below 10°C. The IMD predicts a continuation of dense fog for Monday, making driving conditions hazardous. Residents are advised to plan travel during daylight hours to mitigate risks posed by low visibility.
Infrastructure Recovery: Challenges Ahead
Across the Kashmir Valley, temperatures remain below freezing in most districts. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and the Navyug Tunnel have been reopened after weather improvements. Flight operations have resumed at Srinagar International Airport, and train services along the Baramulla-Banihal route are back in operation.
In Uttarakhand, several highways, including Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, remain blocked due to thick snow cover. Border routes like the Tawaghat-Lipulekh highway in Pithoragarh also remain inaccessible.
Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh, over 300 roads, including three national highways, are still closed. Additionally, Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) reports that 156 bus routes are disrupted, stranding commuters and cargo alike.
Freezing Conditions in Jammu & Kashmir
The IMD has issued a warning for cold wave conditions across Jammu & Kashmir through December 31. Temperatures in popular tourist destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam have plummeted to -8.0°C and -8.5°C, respectively.
The ongoing “Chilla-e-Kalan”, the 40-day harshest winter period, is expected to continue until January 31. Authorities are working to ensure timely removal of snow, uninterrupted electricity, and water supply.
Avalanche Warnings in Uttarakhand
In Uttarakhand, the Defense Geo-informatics Research Establishment (DGRE) has issued an avalanche warning for regions above 3,000 meters, particularly in Chamoli district. Locals and tourists are advised to avoid venturing into high-altitude areas during this period.
Tourist hotspots such as Nainital, Mussoorie, and Auli remain bustling with visitors despite the risks. While these regions offer mesmerizing views of snow-clad mountains, safety measures are paramount for travelers.
Tourists Stranded in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh continues to face severe disruptions due to snow. In Kinnaur, approximately 50 tourists are stranded in the picturesque town of Chitkul. Limited access to food and medical supplies is compounding their ordeal. Two tourists have reportedly fallen seriously ill, with one requiring evacuation to a nearby hospital in Rampur.
In brighter news, the Border Roads Organization (BRO) has managed to partially reopen the Manali-Keylong highway for four-wheel-drive vehicles.
