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As the New Year unfolds, Delhi residents experienced a chilly start, with temperatures dipping to 7.6°C. This drop in mercury was accompanied by dense fog, significantly reducing visibility and impacting morning routines. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted these conditions, issuing a yellow alert for dense fog in Delhi and its surrounding areas, including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurgaon. This advisory warned of poor visibility, suggesting that travelers might face difficulties on the road.
The cold wave wasn't confined to the capital. In Uttar Pradesh, the chill deepened, with Ayodhya enveloped in fog as the thermometer went down further. Meerut and Lucknow felt the cold too, recording temperatures of 9°C and 10°C respectively. The IMD hints at a continuing drop in temperature across the region, suggesting that the cold wave will persist.
In the north, Himachal Pradesh expected a mix of weather patterns. While mid and high hill areas anticipated fresh snowfall and rainfall, the plains and low hills were predicted to stay dry. The state's weather forecast from January 4 to 7 included heavy rainfall on January 5 and 6, following a dry spell across the region in the preceding 24 hours. Temperature readings from various parts of Himachal Pradesh showed a diverse range, from a low of minus 3.8°C in Kalpa to a high of 17.9°C in Mandi.
Rajasthan too felt the brunt of the winter, with temperatures plummeting, affecting everyday life. The early morning temperature in Jaipur was noted at 7.2°C, while Bikaner and Churu experienced even colder conditions at 7°C and 6°C respectively. This significant drop in temperature across different states indicates a widespread cold wave affecting large parts of northern India.
Further north, Kashmir prepared for more cold, anticipating fresh snowfall due to two consecutive western disturbances. The first, a weak disturbance, was expected to bring light snow from Wednesday evening to Thursday morning. A moderate disturbance forecast from January 3 to 6 promised light to moderate snow across most of the state, with potential heavy snow in higher elevations during the second spell. This weather pattern further tightens the cold's grip on the region, as night temperatures across Kashmir saw a decline. Gulmarg, known for its ski resort, became the coldest place in the valley, recording temperatures as low as -8.8°C.
Flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi were also impacted by the fog, with visibility dropping between 200 and 500 meters at times. By the early hours, visibility worsened, affecting flights not equipped for low-visibility conditions and causing potential delays or diversions.
The chilling conditions are expected to continue affecting daily life and travel in these regions, with the IMD advising caution due to poor visibility and the potential for further drops in temperature. Residents and travelers are urged to stay informed about the weather conditions and plan accordingly to avoid disruptions.
The cold wave sweeping across northern India, from the capital to the valleys of Kashmir, underscores the season's intensifying conditions. With forecasts of snowfall and further drops in temperature, the region braces for what the winter has yet to unfold.
