New Delhi, January 17 (ANI): India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported an extended cold wave and foggy conditions gripping North India, with minimal change expected in the minimum temperature. Despite the gradual decrease in cold intensity, the IMD anticipates ongoing foggy mornings, cold days, and cold wave conditions across the plains for the next two days.
IMD Scientist Soma Sen addressed the prevailing weather conditions, stating, In Delhi and in North India, we are not expecting much change in the minimum temperature. Maybe a one-degree rise is likely because of the sunny skies, but foggy conditions will persist.
The cold wave has resulted in severe cold day conditions in Haryana and Punjab, which are expected to continue for the next two to three days. Sen emphasized that there won’t be any sudden change in temperature or cold conditions, but the intensity of the cold will gradually decrease as a seasonal effect.
The IMD foresees foggy mornings, cold days, and cold wave conditions to persist over the plains of North India for at least the next two days. However, there might be a slight rise in the minimum temperature after the initial two-day period.
Explaining the absence of strong western disturbances, Sen mentioned that minimal western disturbances are moving, resulting in isolated light rainfall activity over the western Himalayan region. However, widespread rainfall or snowfall activity is not expected.
The dense fog has significantly affected transportation, with road, railway, and aviation services experiencing disruptions. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport witnessed delays and cancellations of several flights. Furthermore, around 30 trains bound for Delhi were delayed due to low visibility caused by fog.
Apart from Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh also experienced dense to very dense fog. The Meteorological Department classified visibility levels as ‘very dense’ when it falls between 0 and 50 meters, ‘dense’ between 51 and 200 meters, ‘moderate’ between 201 and 500 meters, and ‘shallow’ between 501 and 1,000 meters.
Severe cold wave conditions were reported in several regions, including most parts of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, East Madhya Pradesh, northwest Rajasthan, and west Uttar Pradesh. The cold wave has led to minimum temperatures dropping to record lows, such as the minimum temperature of 1 degree Celsius reported in Ludhiana, Punjab, on January 16.
As the cold wave and fog persist, it is advised to stay updated on weather conditions and take necessary precautions while traveling or venturing outdoors.
