The chill gripping North India has deepened, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts another significant drop in temperatures across the Delhi-NCR region, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan due to western disturbances. With temperatures already at a minimum of 7°C recently recorded in Delhi, residents are advised to brace for colder days ahead.
Naresh Kumar, a scientist at the IMD, indicated on Tuesday, December 24, 2024,
"The wind will flow northwesterly, dropping temperatures by approximately 2°C
in the affected regions." This drop is likely to trigger cold wave conditions, especially
in Rajasthan and Haryana, where temperatures could plummet to around 4°C.
The current cold wave is attributed to a western disturbance currently situated near Punjab,
bringing additional weather challenges such as light rain or snowfall to isolated parts of the western Himalayan region. This disturbance is responsible for the recent rain events across northwest India, including the lightly dusted surfaces of the Delhi-NCR area and higher elevations seeing more significant snowfall.
Kumar also pointed at another key weather system anticipated to arrive on the night of December 26, which could bring thunderstorms, hailstorms, and additional snowfall to the region.
"Yesterday's rain in parts of northwest India was due to the impending western disturbance," Kumar elaborated, emphasizing how these patterns are contributing to the harsher conditions expected for residents.
The IMD outlined, "The IMD characterizes a cold wave when the minimum temperature in plains falls to 10°C or lower."
Currently, temperatures across various regions are teetering dangerously close to this benchmark.
Reports from Jammu and Kashmir have illustrated the severe impact of the cold, with temperatures dropping below zero; for example, Srinagar recorded -5.2°C early Tuesday, December 24.
Specific locales have faced drastic temperature shifts, with areas like Bikaner experiencing chilling low temperatures registering at 9°C.
With daytime maximums plummeting by as much as 10 degrees from usual, many have been left grappling with extreme weather conditions.
Dense fog has compounded the difficulties, significantly reducing visibility, with the air quality index (AQI) hanging at severe levels; Delhi reported levels as high as 401 on the AQI scale.
Residents throughout the affected regions are advised to take precautions as these weather trends develop. North India remains under various alerts, with significant changes expected, particularly on December 27 and 28 as another western disturbance makes its way across the region.
The Rajasthan Meteorological Department has already issued alerts for several districts, anticipating thunderstorms, lightning, and hailstorms, as residents face continued cold and wet conditions. Areas like Ajmer, Alwar, and Bhilwara have been placed on yellow alert as forecasters warn precipitation will intensify across the state.
The weather alerts from the IMD serve as reminders of the unpredictable nature of winter as it tightens its grip on North India. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, preparing for what may become one of the winter’s most severe stretches yet.
With unseasonal weather patterns proving persistent, the communities of North India are reminded to stay updated with meteorological advisories and prepare adequately for the upcoming cold days and potential disruptions.
