“IMD Warns of Severe Cold Wave in North India; Foggy Conditions Persist”

As winter tightens its grip over North India, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of severe cold day conditions enveloping Delhi and various other northern regions on Friday. An anticipated plummet in temperatures has set the stage for chilly spells in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and select areas of Uttar Pradesh, intensifying the wintry cold that has already settled in.

IMD’s forecast suggests that isolated areas in Punjab and Rajasthan may experience cold wave conditions, contributing to the prevailing winter chill. A ‘cold day’ classification is expected if the maximum temperature plunges between 4.5-6.4 degrees below the seasonal norm, with ‘severe cold day’ criteria met at a drop of 6.5 degrees below the usual seasonal temperature.

Here are the top weather updates:

1. Widespread Fog: A significant portion of northern India, encompassing Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and West Rajasthan, is likely to witness dense to very dense fog. Isolated areas in East Rajasthan are also expected to be affected, causing potential visibility challenges for commuters and travelers.
2. Fog in Other Regions: Uttarakhand may encounter dense fog at a few spots, while Jammu division of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh might witness it at isolated locations.
3. Visibility Concerns: The reduced visibility due to fog poses potential challenges for commuters and travelers across affected regions.
4. Temperature Plunge: Recent observations noted a significant temperature drop in various regions. In Delhi, the Safdarjung observatory recorded a maximum of 12.5 degrees Celsius, marking a departure of 6.8 degrees below the normal seasonal temperature.
5. Regional Temperature Readings: Several regions reported temperatures notably below normal for the season. Hissar in Haryana stood at 12 degrees Celsius, Patiala in Punjab at 10.5 degrees Celsius, Kota in Rajasthan at 14.1 degrees Celsius, and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh at 16.7 degrees Celsius.
6. Varied Regional Impacts: Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Patiala, and Amritsar in Punjab, Ambala, Hisar, and Rohtak in Haryana, along with cities in Uttar Pradesh like Meerut, Lucknow, Shahjahanpur, Fursatganj, Bareilly, Jhansi, and Aligarh, experienced varying degrees of colder temperatures.
7. Forecast: The weather office predicts a potential rise in both minimum and maximum temperatures by 2-4 degrees starting Sunday, owing to the influence of warm and moist southwesterly winds.

The prevailing cold wave conditions in North India have triggered concerns among authorities and residents alike, emphasizing the need for caution and preparedness during this intense winter spell.

Sources By Agencies