As the New Year begins, North India finds itself in the grip of an intense cold wave. The region is experiencing bone-chilling winds, plummeting temperatures, and dense fog that have disrupted daily life. While the mountainous regions are blanketed in snow, the plains are reeling under cold conditions that have left people shivering. From Delhi to Kashmir, the biting winter continues to dominate the weather, with significant impacts observed across multiple states.
Severe Cold Wave Grips Kashmir Valley
In Kashmir, the cold wave has intensified, with temperatures consistently remaining below freezing. Upper regions have already started receiving snowfall, while the lower areas are bracing for more precipitation. The impact of an active western disturbance over Afghanistan is expected to bring additional snow and rain to the region by January 5 and 6. These adverse weather conditions have made everyday life challenging, with residents battling freezing temperatures and disrupted mobility.
Dense Fog and Freezing Temperatures Sweep Delhi and Uttar Pradesh
Delhi and most parts of Uttar Pradesh are enduring freezing conditions as minimum temperatures have dropped significantly, recording a fall of over 5°C in some areas. For three consecutive days, cities in Uttar Pradesh have struggled with frosty winds and dense fog. Although the sun made brief appearances in certain districts, the chilling winds have persisted, forcing people to remain indoors. The Meteorological Department has issued a “Yellow Alert” for several districts, warning of severe cold and foggy conditions.
Key Districts Affected:
- Shravasti
- Bahraich
- Lakhimpur Kheri
- Bareilly
The weather department predicts dry conditions from January 3 onwards, providing some relief, though the cold winds may continue.
Bihar and Jharkhand: The Chill Intensifies
Bihar is also grappling with the biting winter. Cities like Patna are cloaked in moderate to dense fog during the mornings, while chilly westerly winds amplify the cold. Similarly, Jharkhand has seen an increase in cold conditions, with no significant changes in minimum temperatures expected over the next three days. Dense fog is prevalent in the early mornings and late at night, making travel hazardous.
Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh Experience Extreme Cold
Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have not been spared by the cold wave. In Rajasthan, cities such as Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, and Sikar are among the coldest areas, with maximum temperatures dropping below 16°C. Madhya Pradesh recorded a steep decline in temperatures, with regions like Kalyanpur in Shahdol reporting a minimum of 6.1°C, making it one of the coldest places in the state. A “Cold Day” warning has been issued for 14 districts, highlighting the danger posed by thick fog and freezing temperatures.
Punjab and Haryana Shiver in the Cold
Both Punjab and Haryana have been experiencing freezing conditions for the past several days. In Punjab, temperatures have dropped to 11-12°C during the day, with nights even colder at 8-9°C. The persistent cold wave has blanketed the region in dense fog, particularly in the mornings. The Meteorological Department forecasts light rain in some areas on January 5, which could bring temporary respite but also increase the chill factor.
Himachal Pradesh: Mountain Majesty Turns Frosty
Himachal Pradesh has also succumbed to the icy grip of winter. Districts like Kangra, Una, Mandi, and Bilaspur are struggling with dense fog that has severely reduced visibility. In Sundernagar, Mandi, visibility dropped to as low as 100 meters on Wednesday morning. Yellow alerts for dense fog and freezing conditions have been issued for these areas. Temperatures in higher regions, such as Lahaul-Spiti’s Tabo, have plummeted to -16.7°C, marking it as one of the coldest places in the state.
Uttarakhand: Foggy Plains and Frosty Mountains
In Uttarakhand, the plains remain engulfed in morning and evening fog, while frost has increased difficulties in the mountainous regions. The Meteorological Department anticipates slight relief from extreme cold starting Thursday, but temperatures are still expected to hover near freezing. Cities like Dehradun may experience dense fog in the mornings, while higher altitudes brace for icy conditions.
Western Disturbance and Its Impacts on North India
A western disturbance currently active over Afghanistan is influencing the weather in North India. This system is expected to bring light rainfall to northwestern plains, including Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana, around January 5-6. The cold wave will likely persist for a few more days, but the precipitation may offer temporary relief.
