The ongoing cold wave in India has significantly disrupted daily life in the northwestern and northern regions. According to the latest report from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the situation in states like Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi could worsen due to the cold wave and a drop in minimum temperatures. Rain and fog have impacted normal life in many areas.
The national capital, Delhi, has recorded a sharp decline in minimum temperatures. Over the past few days, dense fog has caused inconvenience to the residents. According to the weather department, temperatures are expected to drop further in the coming days. Following the rain on Wednesday and Thursday, chilly winds have taken over Delhi.
Today, a moderate fog warning has been issued in Delhi. The weather department predicts that the mercury could dip by another 2 degrees Celsius within the next 24 hours. Additionally, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has worsened, crossing 200 in several parts of the city, making the combination of pollution and cold even more challenging for residents.
Fog has disrupted transportation services in several parts of the country. Many flights from Delhi International Airport are delayed, and trains in northern India are running behind schedule. According to railway reports, over 30 trains are delayed by several hours due to dense fog.
States like Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan in northwestern India have reported a significant drop in minimum temperatures. In several places, nighttime temperatures have dipped below 4°C. Snowfall in Shimla, Manali, Chamba, and other high-altitude areas has further intensified the cold.
The weather department has warned that the cold wave will persist in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand over the next few days. Residents are advised to take precautionary measures to stay safe in the cold.
Cold Wave Conditions in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh: Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are also grappling with severe cold wave conditions. The drop in minimum temperatures has created a chilling atmosphere across various regions. Cities like Patna, Gaya, Varanasi, and Lucknow are experiencing cold winds even during the day. Schools and offices are reporting lower attendance due to the biting cold and fog.
Nationwide Temperature Drop Expected: According to the weather department, minimum temperatures in most parts of northwestern India could fall by up to 2°C within the next 24 hours. However, no significant changes in temperatures are expected over the following four days.
Even southern and eastern parts of the country are experiencing mild cold conditions. States like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand have also recorded a dip in minimum temperatures.
Western Disturbance Intensifies Cold: Meteorologists believe that western disturbances have amplified the cold in northern India. This disturbance has caused snowfall in the hilly regions and rain in the plains, leading to a rapid temperature drop.
Precautions Against the Cold Wave: As the cold wave and freezing temperatures continue, the weather department has issued safety guidelines for the public. The following measures can help protect against the cold:
Pollution and Cold: A Double Crisis: The combination of cold and pollution has worsened the situation. Areas like Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurgaon are facing poor air quality. Issues such as difficulty in breathing, eye irritation, and throat soreness have become common due to the pollution.
Weather Outlook for the Coming Days: The cold wave is expected to persist for the next few days, with snowfall in the hills and fog and chilly winds in the plains likely to increase difficulties. Dense fog is expected to blanket Delhi and its surrounding areas.
The cold wave and freezing temperatures have engulfed the entire country. People must remain vigilant, follow weather department warnings, and adopt precautionary measures to stay safe. Additionally, collective efforts are needed to control pollution and provide relief in the coming days.
