Delhi: Delhi experienced light rain on Thursday, providing much-needed relief from poor air quality while intensifying the winter chill. The cold wave persisted across northern India, with states like Rajasthan and Meghalaya engulfed in dense fog that reduced visibility to nearly zero in some areas on Wednesday night.
Himachal Pradesh on Orange Alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Himachal Pradesh, cautioning residents about severe cold and possible snowfall. The state is bracing for heavy cold on December 28 as a western disturbance impacts northwest and central India, bringing moderate rain, thundershowers, and hail. Neighboring states Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab are under a red alert due to extreme cold wave conditions.
Chilling Conditions in the Kashmir Valley
The Kashmir Valley recorded bone-chilling temperatures on Thursday:
- Srinagar: -7°C, a slight improvement from -7.3°C the previous night.
- Gulmarg: -6°C.
- Pahalgam: -8.6°C.
- Qazigund: -7°C.
- Kokernag: The coldest spot at -9°C.
The freezing temperatures caused water bodies, including Dal Lake, and pipes to freeze, disrupting daily life.
Himachal Pradesh Forecast
Higher altitudes in Himachal Pradesh are expected to receive snowfall starting December 27. Shimla is forecasted to experience a temperature drop to 14.8°C, while Kufri could see 9.8°C.
Fog and Rain Impact Rajasthan
Dense fog and dipping temperatures continued to disrupt life in Rajasthan.
- Fatehpur recorded the state’s lowest temperature at 3.8°C, followed by Churu (5°C) and Pilani (5.7°C).
- A new western disturbance may bring light to moderate rainfall to Jaipur, Ajmer, and Udaipur in the coming days.
Punjab and Haryana in Cold Wave Grip
Cold wave conditions persisted in Punjab and Haryana. Chandigarh recorded a minimum temperature of 7.3°C on Thursday, and the severe chill is expected to last in the days ahead.
Travel Advisory
The prevailing weather conditions, including rain, fog, and snowfall, are likely to disrupt transportation and daily activities across affected regions. Travelers are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.
