Key Points:
- Delhi’s Frosty Days: Capital witnesses biting cold and dense fog, with temperatures as low as 8°C.
- Mountain Snowfall: Heavy snowfall in Himachal, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir disrupts routine life.
- Punjab and Haryana: Dense fog blankets these states; weather expected to clear post-New Year.
- Rajasthan and UP: Severe cold waves and dense fog continue to impact daily life.
- Nationwide Chill: Many states brace for frosty conditions as temperatures plummet.
New Delhi: As the year winds down, India finds itself wrapped in the frosty grip of winter. December has brought a mix of rain, dense fog, and cold waves, making this winter season stand out as one of the harshest in recent years. Today, on December 31, the entire northern belt of the country shivers under cold weather, while parts of the hills experience heavy snowfall, adding to the chill.
Delhi: A Capital in Cold Waves
The national capital remains under severe cold conditions, with no respite from cloudy skies and biting winds. The maximum temperature today is expected to reach 15°C, while the minimum may dip to 8°C. Fog continues to disrupt visibility during mornings and evenings.
Looking ahead, January 1 will see moderate to dense fog, with temperatures ranging between 9°C and 17°C. A gradual rise in temperatures is predicted from January 2 to January 5, offering some relief as highs touch 22°C.
Punjab and Haryana: Foggy Mornings Persist
Punjab starts the day with dense fog but is expected to see clearer weather from January 2 onwards. Haryana faces similar conditions with cold waves and heavy fog dominating the final day of 2024. However, the New Year brings relief as skies clear and temperatures stabilize.
Hill States: A Winter Wonderland with Challenges
- Jammu & Kashmir: Heavy snowfall in tourist hotspots continues to pose challenges for visitors and locals. Light snowfall is expected on January 1-2, with heavier snow forecasted between January 3-6.
- Himachal Pradesh: Five districts have been blanketed with over 10 cm of snow, with Kalpa recording 14.9 cm and Kufri 14.5 cm.
- Uttarakhand: Though snowfall is sparse, biting winds and frosty conditions prevail. Fog in the plains and frost in hilly regions remain a concern.
UP and Bihar: Winter Bites Hard
In Uttar Pradesh, the absence of sunlight for consecutive days has left residents struggling to cope with the biting cold. Lucknow continues to experience dense fog and cold days, with temperatures refusing to climb. Bihar braces for a drop in temperatures and increased fog, making the New Year a chilly affair.
Rajasthan: A Foggy Start to 2025
Rajasthan remains in the grip of a cold wave, with dense fog forecasted for the next 3-4 days. Severe cold is likely to persist until January 1, marking a frosty beginning to the New Year.
As 2024 ends, India is united by a shared experience of winter’s extremes. From the biting cold waves of the plains to the heavy snowfall in the mountains, the weather remains a central talking point. While the New Year promises clearer skies for some, the chill isn’t leaving anytime soon, making warm clothing and careful travel plans a necessity.
Did You Know?
- Dense fog not only disrupts visibility but also impacts road, rail, and air travel, causing widespread delays.
- Himachal Pradesh’s snowfall attracts thousands of tourists annually, but this year’s heavy snow has created logistical challenges.
