Cold Wave Intensifies Across North India with IMD Issuing Fresh Alerts
Cold wave conditions continued to grip isolated pockets of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, as the region experienced turbulent weather patterns. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a series of forecasts predicting further deterioration in conditions over the coming days, affecting several northern states.
Current Weather Conditions and Recorded Data
On Sunday, thunderstorms accompanied by squally and gusty winds, with speeds ranging from 30 to 60 kilometers per hour, were recorded over the hill state of Himachal Pradesh. In addition, light snowfall occurred at isolated places, with Jot in Chamba district receiving 7 centimeters of snow.
Temperature variations were noted across the states. In Punjab, a rise of 2.4 degrees Celsius in the average minimum temperature was recorded till Sunday morning compared to Saturday, with mercury levels near normal. The lowest minimum temperature in the state was 3.4 degrees Celsius in Ferozepur.
Conversely, Haryana experienced a slight fall of 0.3 degrees Celsius in the average minimum temperature during the same period, also recorded near normal. Mahendragarh registered the state's lowest minimum temperature at 1.9 degrees Celsius.
IMD Forecast for Dense Fog and Cold Wave
As per the IMD, dense foggy conditions are likely during morning and night hours in isolated pockets over Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh on January 26. Cold wave conditions are anticipated in isolated pockets over Himachal on January 26, and over Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh from January 26 to 30.
Furthermore, cold day conditions are likely in isolated pockets over Himachal and Punjab on January 27, indicating prolonged exposure to chilly weather.
Upcoming Wet Spell and Severe Weather Predictions
The IMD has predicted a fresh wet spell with fairly widespread to widespread rainfall and snowfall, accompanied by lightning and squally winds. Wind speeds are expected to reach 50 to 60 kilometers per hour, gusting up to 70 kilometers per hour, over Himachal Pradesh on January 26 and 27.
Isolated heavy rainfall and snowfall are also likely over Himachal on January 27. Additionally, scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall with lightning and gusty winds, with speeds reaching 40 to 50 kilometers per hour and gusting to 60 kilometers per hour, is predicted over Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh on the same day.
The forecast includes isolated hailstorm activity over Himachal, Punjab, and Haryana on January 27, posing potential risks to agriculture and daily life.
Regional Impact and Precautions
The persistent cold wave and impending severe weather conditions underscore the need for residents in these northern states to take necessary precautions. Authorities advise staying updated with the latest IMD alerts and preparing for possible disruptions due to fog, rain, snow, and hailstorms.
This weather pattern highlights the dynamic climatic challenges faced by North India during the winter months, with IMD playing a crucial role in providing timely forecasts to mitigate adverse effects.
