A sharp cold wave has tightened its grip over parts of northwest India, with isolated areas in Punjab and Haryana experiencing severe winter conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported significantly below-normal temperatures, disrupting daily life and prompting residents to brace for more chilly days ahead.
Record Low Temperatures Across the Plains
The town of Adampur in Punjab's Jalandhar district emerged as the coldest spot in the plains, recording a frigid minimum temperature of 2.2 degrees Celsius. It was closely followed by Faridkot, which saw the mercury dip to 2.5°C. In neighbouring Haryana, Narnaul in the Mahendragarh district recorded the state's lowest minimum at 3.8 degrees Celsius, which is a notable four degrees below the normal average for this time of year.
Data from the IMD reveals that over the last 24 hours until Saturday morning, minimum temperatures plunged below the 5-degree mark at numerous locations across Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. Most places in Haryana experienced temperatures in the range of 5 to 10 degrees Celsius.
IMD Forecast: Fluctuating Temperatures and Fog
The prevailing cold wave conditions are likely to persist until December 7. Following this, a slight respite is expected as minimum temperatures are predicted to rise by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius over many parts of Punjab and Haryana. However, this relief will be short-lived.
The IMD forecasts another dip in temperatures, with the cold wave likely to return on December 10 and 11. A broader pattern indicates a rise in minimums by 2-3°C over northwest India in the next two days, followed by a significant fall of 3-5°C during the subsequent three days.
Fog and Precipitation Alert for Himachal
While visibility remained largely clear in Punjab and Haryana, the hills of Himachal Pradesh are bracing for reduced visibility. Dense fog conditions are likely in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh from December 7 to 9 during the early morning hours. Bilaspur has already reported visibility reduced to 100 meters.
Additionally, the IMD has predicted light to moderate isolated rainfall or snowfall over Himachal Pradesh on December 7, which could further intensify the cold feel in the region and adjoining plains.
Residents across these northern states are advised to take necessary precautions against the cold, especially during early mornings and late nights. The fluctuating temperature pattern suggests a need to stay updated with the latest weather bulletins from the IMD as the winter season deepens.
