Severe cold grips North India, cold wave from Punjab and Haryana to Delhi; rain likely in plains from 16th
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Severe cold has badly affected daily life across North India, including the national capital Delhi and the entire NCR region. Dense fog and an intense cold wave have gripped the region. On the previous morning, Delhi recorded its coldest morning in the last three years, with the minimum temperature dropping to 3 degrees Celsius. Cold winds and thick fog have increased the chill, causing widespread discomfort. Considering the situation, the weather department has issued a red alert for Delhi-NCR.
Apart from Delhi, temperatures in Noida, Ghaziabad, and nearby areas have also fallen well below normal. Noida recorded a minimum temperature of 2 degrees Celsius, while Ghaziabad reported 4.3 degrees. Despite sunshine during the day, there was little relief from the cold. The cold wave continued for the third consecutive day in the capital, and maximum temperatures also remained below average.
Several parts of North India have reported near-record low temperatures. In Haryana, Hisar recorded a minimum of 1.5 degrees Celsius and Narnaul 1.8 degrees. In Rajasthan, temperatures dropped to 2 degrees in Karauli, 3.2 degrees in Alwar, and 5.8 degrees in Pilani. Punjab’s SBS Nagar witnessed temperatures touching the freezing point. Chandigarh experienced its coldest night of the season, with the minimum temperature falling to 2.8 degrees Celsius.
According to the weather department, a new western disturbance may become active from January 15. Due to its impact, light rainfall is expected in some areas between January 16 and 18, while snowfall is likely in higher-altitude regions. A yellow alert has been issued for dense fog in the lower Himalayan areas, and a warning of severe cold wave has been issued for Chamba district.
Cold conditions are at their peak in the higher tribal regions of Himachal Pradesh. In Tabo of Lahaul-Spiti district, the minimum temperature dropped to minus 7.7 degrees Celsius. Kukumseri recorded minus 7.4 degrees, while Kalpa recorded zero degrees. Extreme cold in these areas has severely disrupted normal life.
The weather department stated that northwesterly winds are prevailing across North India, and cloud cover may persist in northwestern regions due to the western disturbance. Light to moderate rainfall is expected in the plains, while snowfall is likely in hilly areas. Relief from the cold is unlikely over the next few days.