The cold wave sweeping through northern and eastern India continues to intensify, with temperatures dropping further in states like Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan. While Delhi has not experienced severe cold wave conditions, its neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana have been feeling the chill.
Delhi’s Weather Update
On Tuesday, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 5.9°C, which is 2.2°C below normal, while the maximum temperature rose to 24.4°C, two notches above the usual. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast dense fog for Wednesday, with the minimum and maximum temperatures expected to be around 6°C and 24°C, respectively.
Cold Wave in Punjab and Haryana
The cold wave has been particularly intense in Punjab and Haryana. In Punjab, Faridkot recorded the lowest temperature of 0°C on Tuesday, with Amritsar not far behind at 2.6°C. Ludhiana and Patiala saw minimum temperatures of 4.8°C, while Pathankot recorded 2.8°C. Bathinda and Gurdaspur experienced temperatures of 3°C and 3.5°C, respectively.
In Haryana, Hisar was the coldest at 1.6°C, followed by Sirsa at 2.6°C. Karnal recorded 4.6°C, while Rohtak and Bhiwani saw minimum temperatures of 5.6°C and 5.7°C, respectively.
Rajasthan Experiences Severe Cold
Rajasthan is also witnessing extremely cold weather, with below-normal temperatures recorded in most regions. Karauli recorded the lowest night temperature of 1.3°C, followed by Fatehpur at 2.5°C. Other areas like Sikar, Churu, and Alwar saw temperatures ranging from 3.7°C to 4.8°C. The IMD has warned that temperatures may drop further due to a western disturbance expected in the coming days.
Cold Snap in Jharkhand
Jharkhand is experiencing a cold snap, with Kanke district recording the lowest temperature in the state at 2.5°C. Other districts, including Gumla, Garhwa, Lohardaga, and Dhanbad, saw temperatures ranging from 4.9°C to 9.5°C. The state capital, Ranchi, recorded a minimum of 9°C.
Kashmir Braces for Extreme Cold
Kashmir continues to experience severe cold, with temperatures in some areas dipping below freezing. Konibal, on the outskirts of Pampore, recorded the lowest temperature at -8.5°C, followed by Pahalgam at -6.8°C and Gulmarg at -4°C. Srinagar’s minimum temperature was -5.3°C, and water supply lines in several parts of the city froze due to the extreme cold. The IMD predicts light snowfall in higher regions of Kashmir on the night of December 21-22, with dry weather expected until December 26.
Himachal Pradesh’s Cold Wave
Himachal Pradesh is also feeling the brunt of the cold wave, with the local weather department issuing an orange alert for several regions. The coldest night was recorded in Lahaul and Spiti’s Tabo, where the temperature dropped to -6.5°C. Other areas like Kukumsheri and Manali also recorded sub-zero temperatures, while Shimla recorded a relatively warmer 7.6°C.
IMD Forecast
The IMD has forecast no significant change in the minimum temperatures in the plains of northwestern India over the next four to five days. However, a rise of 2-3°C in minimum temperatures is expected over East India in the next three days, with no major changes thereafter.
As the cold wave persists, the IMD continues to monitor the weather conditions, warning of further temperature dips and the possibility of light snowfall in certain regions.
