Key Highlights:
- IMD Orange Alert: Severe cold wave conditions have triggered an orange alert for Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh.
- Temperature Drop: Delhi-NCR sees temperatures plummet to 4°C; other regions experience a sharp decline due to persistent cold waves.
- Fog Advisory: IMD warns of dense fog in multiple states, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and parts of the Northeast.
- Extended Cold Wave: Severe cold to continue in Rajasthan till Dec 22 and in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana till December 20.
- Delhi Weather Alert: A yellow alert has been issued for Delhi with cold mornings, fog, and smog predicted over the coming days.
New Delhi: As the winter intensifies, North India continues to grapple with severe cold wave conditions. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for multiple northern states, warning of further temperature dips and severe cold in the coming days. Regions under this alert include Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana.
The temperature across North India has plummeted significantly, with Delhi-NCR recording a minimum of 4°C over the past few days. The biting cold wave has particularly impacted outdoor activities, posing challenges for daily life.
Cold Wave Forecast by IMD
According to the IMD:
- Jammu & Kashmir and Rajasthan: Severe cold conditions are expected to persist for the next six days.
- Himachal Pradesh: Cold wave conditions will remain until December 20.
- Punjab and Haryana: Severe cold and cold wave effects will intensify across the region, including parts of Madhya Pradesh.
Extended Cold Wave: The eastern parts of Rajasthan will continue to face severe cold wave conditions between December 16-22.
Dense Fog Alert for North and Eastern States
The IMD has issued a dense fog warning for late nights and early mornings in several states, potentially reducing visibility and disrupting daily life:
- Till December 18: Dense fog is expected in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Till December 19: Dense fog conditions will likely spread across Odisha, West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.
The IMD advises commuters to exercise caution, particularly during nighttime and early morning hours, to avoid accidents and travel disruptions.
Delhi Shivers in Cold: IMD Issues Yellow Alert
In the national capital Delhi, winter chills have tightened their grip. On Monday:
- Minimum Temperature: Dropped to 5°C
- Maximum Temperature: Recorded at 25°C
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for December 17 and 18, predicting:
- Morning: Moderate to dense fog, leading to reduced visibility.
- Daytime: Clear skies with mild sunshine.
- Nighttime: Light fog and smog conditions may persist.
Residents are advised to brace for colder mornings and take precautions while traveling or engaging in outdoor activities during early hours.
Caution Advised: How to Stay Safe During Severe Cold
IMD has urged people to take precautions amid the ongoing cold wave and dense fog conditions:
- Avoid Early Mornings and Late Nights: Limit outdoor activities during the coldest hours.
- Dress in Layers: Wear warm clothing to protect against extreme temperatures.
- Safe Travel: Ensure visibility is clear during driving; use fog lights when needed.
- Health Precautions: Special care for the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses is recommended.
Challenges for North India
The severe cold and foggy conditions have added to the challenges faced by residents of North India, impacting transportation, daily routines, and health conditions. With temperatures expected to drop further, people are advised to remain vigilant and prepared to deal with the harsh winter.
As the cold wave tightens its grip, this season is shaping up to be one of the most challenging winters in recent years for North India.
