The biting chill is set to tighten its grip over North India as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts no immediate respite from the ongoing cold wave. The weather agency has predicted that several northern states will continue to shiver under severe cold conditions, with the mountain regions bracing for fresh bouts of snowfall.
Widespread Cold and Mountain Snowfall
According to the IMD's latest bulletin, cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are very likely to persist over many parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh for the next few days. The minimum temperatures in these plains are expected to hover 3 to 5 degrees Celsius below normal, ensuring the mercury remains in the single digits.
Simultaneously, the western Himalayan region is on alert for active winter weather. The meteorological department has forecast light to moderate scattered to fairly widespread snowfall over Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand on January 2nd and 3rd. Isolated heavy rainfall or snowfall is also likely over Uttarakhand on January 2nd. This fresh precipitation in the hills is a key driver for the sustained cold in the adjoining plains.
Dense Fog Disrupts Daily Life
A significant consequence of the prevailing weather pattern is the formation of dense fog. The IMD has issued a warning for dense to very dense fog in the morning hours over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh until January 4th. This fog severely reduces visibility, often dropping to below 50 meters, disrupting road, rail, and air travel. Commuters and transportation authorities are advised to exercise extreme caution.
The fog is a result of moisture incursion combined with the low wind speeds and cold temperatures typical of this winter period. Such conditions are notorious for causing delays at major airports like Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport and leading to massive pile-ups on highways like the Yamuna Expressway and National Highways in the region.
Regional Forecast and Advisory
Breaking down the forecast further, the IMD provided specific details for key areas. In Delhi-NCR, residents can expect a continuation of cold wave conditions with shallow to moderate fog. The minimum temperature is likely to range between 6 and 8 degrees Celsius.
For the plains of Northwest India, including Punjab, Haryana, and West Uttar Pradesh, the cold wave will remain intense. The IMD has specifically noted that cold day conditions—where the maximum temperature is significantly below normal—are also likely in some pockets.
The weather office has advised the public to take necessary precautions. This includes:
- Avoiding early morning and late evening outdoor exposure.
- Wearing multiple layers of warm clothing.
- Drivers using fog lights and driving at low speeds during poor visibility.
- Staying updated with the latest weather bulletins and travel advisories.
The persistence of this cold spell is attributed to a combination of factors, including the flow of cold, dry northwesterly winds from the snow-clad Himalayas and the clear skies that allow for rapid radiative cooling at night. The fresh snowfall in the hills only reinforces this pattern, feeding cold air into the plains.
As North India remains bundled up, all eyes are on the IMD for signs of a change. For now, the message is clear: the winter's fierce embrace is not loosening, and preparedness is key to navigating the challenging weather conditions safely.
