The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stern warning, stating that severe cold wave conditions are set to persist across large parts of northern India for the next two days. Residents of Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand must brace for intense cold on January 12 and 13.
Extended Chill and Dense Fog Disruption
This prolonged spell of harsh weather aligns with the Met department's earlier seasonal prediction of four to five extra cold wave days this winter. The forecast indicates that the cold wave may linger in isolated pockets of north and northwest India until January 14 before showing signs of easing. Adding to the discomfort, dense fog is very likely to blanket northwest India and Bihar during morning hours for the next five days.
This combination of cold and fog poses a significant challenge as it coincides with the festive celebrations of Lohri and Makar Sankranti in the northern, northwestern, and parts of eastern India. The IMD has also predicted a 'cold day' in isolated parts of Bihar until January 16.
Temperature Plunge and Recorded Lows
On Sunday, Pilani in east Rajasthan earned the dubious distinction of being the coldest spot in the northern plains, recording a minimum temperature of a mere 1.2 degrees Celsius. The IMD's data for the past 24 hours reveals a stark picture:
- Sub-zero temperatures were recorded at many places in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, and at several locations in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
- Minimums between 1°C and 5°C gripped parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and north Rajasthan.
- Temperatures were 3–6°C below normal over northwest India, including south Punjab, south Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan.
Normally, the northern and northwestern states experience four to six cold wave days from December to February. However, this season, the region is expected to witness a total of eight to 11 such days, with January bearing the brunt.
What Constitutes a Cold Wave?
The IMD declares a cold wave when the minimum temperature at a plains station dips to 4°C or lower, or to 0°C or lower in hilly areas. Conditions can also be classified as a cold wave if the temperature is below 10°C and deviates from the normal by at least 4.5 degrees.
Looking ahead, the IMD forecasts "no significant change" in minimum temperatures over northwest India for the next three days. A gradual rise of 2–3°C is expected in the subsequent four days. In contrast, Maharashtra may see a gradual increase in minimum temperature by 2–3°C over the next two days.
As North India shivers under this extended cold spell, authorities advise citizens to take necessary precautions, especially the vulnerable, and to plan travel carefully due to the dense fog advisory.
