Northern India is currently experiencing a mix of rainfall, snowfall, and fog, caused by the influence of a western disturbance. These weather patterns have affected various parts of the region, bringing both challenges and relief. As the temperature fluctuates, significant delays at airports and disruptions to daily life are being reported. In this article, we will explore the weather phenomena in depth, including their impact on the capital city Delhi, the Himalayan region, and other northern states.
Impact of Western Disturbance on Delhi and Surrounding Regions
The recent western disturbance has led to unexpected changes in the weather in Delhi, with heavy rainfall recorded late Wednesday night. This sudden weather change has resulted in a slight drop in temperatures, offering a brief respite from the usual warmth. Delhi’s weather has traditionally seen winter temperatures hover around normal levels, but the rain has caused some discomfort for commuters and citizens.
Despite the rain, the overall weather in Delhi remains manageable. The minimum temperature in the city remained near normal, hovering around the range of 8°C to 10°C. However, fog continues to affect visibility, causing flight delays at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The situation is further compounded by the ongoing cold wave in some regions of the country, which has triggered alerts for fog and freezing temperatures.
Fog in Northern India – Delays and Safety Concerns
One of the significant impacts of the western disturbance is the dense fog that has blanketed several parts of Northern India. Early morning fog, particularly in eastern Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Bihar, has created dangerous conditions for travelers. Visibility dropped to zero in areas like Karna and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, as well as Chandbali in Odisha. These poor visibility conditions led to travel delays, especially on highways and at airports.
The fog also affected the daily routine of millions of people. People woke up to chilly mornings with reduced visibility, creating an air of inconvenience across cities like Lucknow, Patna, and Chandigarh. Northern India’s major cities have reported slower-than-usual traffic due to the dense fog, leading to heightened concerns about accidents and public safety. Additionally, with temperatures remaining cool, travelers were left to deal with unpredictable conditions while managing their activities.
Snowfall and Winter Chill in the Himalayan Region
The Himalayan region, particularly Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, has also witnessed snowfall as a direct result of the western disturbance. This has led to a noticeable drop in temperatures, especially in the high-altitude areas of the Kashmir Valley. On Wednesday, areas like Gulmarg and Sonamarg were blanketed in fresh snow, resulting in colder conditions in the region. These locations saw temperatures dip below freezing as winter’s chill tightened its grip.
Srinagar recorded temperatures of -0.6°C, while Pahalgam saw temperatures plunging to -4.2°C. This drastic drop in temperatures has led to a frosty atmosphere, with locals experiencing winter at its most severe. The heavy snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir has also created logistical challenges, particularly for those traveling across mountain passes like the Zojila and Srinagar-Leh Highway. While snow enthusiasts are enjoying the seasonal spectacle, the region’s residents are facing the usual hardships that come with intense winter conditions.
A Warming Trend in Punjab and Haryana
In contrast to the freezing temperatures of the mountains, Punjab and Haryana have seen mild warming trends following intense cold spells earlier in the season. After enduring unusually cold conditions, especially in cities like Chandigarh, Faridkot, and Gurudaspur, the temperatures have now begun to rise, returning to normal levels.
For instance, the minimum temperature recorded in Chandigarh on Wednesday stood at 8.9°C, marking a slight increase from previous days. Similarly, Faridkot and Gurudaspur saw their minimum temperatures hover around 5.2°C and 6.5°C, respectively. These warmer temperatures offer relief, especially after the region saw sub-zero conditions during the previous week, triggering higher-than-usual demand for heating in homes and public spaces.
Rajasthan’s Mount Abu Registers the Coldest Temperature
Among the notable temperature fluctuations, Mount Abu, Rajasthan, has recorded one of the coldest temperatures in the region, with a minimum temperature of 2.4°C. The low temperatures in this popular hill station have caused discomfort for both locals and tourists. In the capital city of Jaipur, the minimum temperature was recorded at a comparatively milder 13°C, providing a contrast to the cold conditions in Mount Abu and other parts of Rajasthan.
Rajasthan is traditionally known for its hot, arid climate, but in recent weeks, the weather has taken a turn, with significant temperature drops at night. The state’s interior is particularly feeling the chill in the evenings, but by day, temperatures are rising, offering a mix of winter and early spring-like conditions. For residents, this transition from freezing cold to slightly warmer weather is a reminder of the region’s unpredictable seasonal patterns.
