As North India grapples with an intense cold wave and dense fog, the weather conditions have taken a toll on normal life. Key areas, including the national capital, have witnessed temperatures dropping significantly below normal, causing disruptions in rail and air travel. Let’s explore the current scenario and what the forecast holds for the upcoming days.
Prolonged Cold Spell and Recent Weather Patterns
Since December 29, 2023, North India has been facing a prolonged cold spell, with maximum temperatures plummeting 5-8 degrees Celsius below normal. Although there was a brief respite on January 7 and 8 due to a passing western disturbance, the cold conditions swiftly returned on January 9.
IMD Forecast for North India
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that cold wave and dense fog conditions will persist over Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Specific warnings include dense to very dense fog in certain regions and cold day to severe cold day conditions at various places.
Impact on Transportation
The ongoing foggy weather in Delhi and surrounding areas has severely impacted road, rail, and air traffic. As of the latest reports, at least 22 trains across the country are running late, and multiple flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport have experienced delays due to low visibility amid the persistent fog.
Temperature Variations
Minimum temperatures range from 3-6 degrees Celsius in many parts of Punjab and some areas of Haryana-Chandigarh, while Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, north Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar experience temperatures between 7-10 degrees Celsius. These temperatures are below normal by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius in several regions.
IMD’s Predictions for the Coming Days
Dense to very dense fog and cold day to severe cold day conditions are expected to continue over North India in the next two days, gradually decreasing thereafter. Similarly, the weather department predicts the continuation of cold wave to severe cold wave conditions over the plains of Northwest India during the next two days.
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