The weather conditions across Northern India have undergone a dramatic transformation, with snow-capped mountains and drizzles bringing a notable drop in temperatures. The latest updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicate a heightened chill across the plains and hill regions. As winter tightens its grip, Delhi NCR braces for foggy mornings and colder days, while hill stations witness picturesque snowfall.
Delhi NCR: Fog Alert and Cold Spell
The IMD has issued a Yellow Alert for fog in Delhi NCR on December 24 and 25, warning of low visibility and a steep drop in temperatures. Minimum temperatures are expected to hover between 5°C and 6°C, intensifying the cold. Rainfall earlier this week brought temporary relief from pollution, with AQI levels showing signs of improvement after persistent “severe” conditions.
Residents are advised to prepare for increased cold as Western Disturbances bring further climatic changes. The forecast for December 26-27 suggests another active spell of light rainfall in nearby regions, including parts of Rajasthan.
Snowfall in Hill Stations: Winter Wonderland
The hill states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand have transformed into snowy havens. Here’s an overview of the recent developments:
Jammu and Kashmir
The picturesque Trikuta Hills, home to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, experienced the first snowfall of the season. Popular tourist destinations like Patnitop also witnessed snow, delighting visitors. However, the cold wave caused streams and water bodies to freeze across Kashmir Valley.
Key highlights include:
- Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -3.6°C, while Pahalgam touched -5°C.
- Heavy snowfall on higher reaches, including Rohtang Pass and Baralacha, resulted in road closures like the Mughal Road connecting Rajouri and Poonch.
Uttarakhand
After a hiatus, snowfall resumed in the Char Dham regions, covering Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri under a blanket of snow. Lower altitudes, including Dehradun’s Mussoorie and Chakrata, also received light snow.
The temperature in regions like Harsil and Sankri plunged below freezing, further contributing to the ongoing cold wave.
Himachal Pradesh
A fresh spell of snowfall in Shimla and surrounding areas reignited hopes for a White Christmas after nine years. Shimla recorded 5 inches of snow, while Kufri saw as much as 9 inches. Popular skiing destinations like Auli also received 6-7 inches of snow.
Heavy snow in Rohtang Pass, Baralacha, and Shinkula created scenic vistas but caused disruptions in transportation. Tourists are advised to check road conditions before planning visits.
Impact of Western Disturbances on Rajasthan
In Rajasthan, Western Disturbances have brought rain and chilly winds to areas like Udaipur, Kota, Ajmer, and Bharatpur divisions. The Shekhawati region saw drizzles, lowering temperatures significantly. Anticipate more light rainfall in the coming days, accompanied by colder winds that might dip the mercury further.
Cold Wave in Punjab and Haryana
Light rainfall in Punjab and Haryana contributed to the dip in temperatures, with several areas recording 4-5°C below average. Cities like Ludhiana and Amritsar witnessed daytime temperatures between 11°C and 18°C, marking an unusually chilly spell.
Severe Weather Across South India
The southern states are also feeling the impact of climatic changes. The IMD forecasts heavy rainfall in parts of North Tamil Nadu, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and the Odisha coast, driven by the Southwest Bay of Bengal disturbances.
Notable highlights include:
- Coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh may see intense downpours on December 24.
- Rain showers are likely to bring relief from dry conditions, albeit temporarily.
Northern India’s Cold Wave Intensifies
The cold wave sweeping across Northern India has tightened its grip, pushing temperatures to record lows. Several regions are grappling with a freezing chill, making proper preparation vital. Heavy fog, freezing water bodies, and road closures due to snowfall are expected to persist.
