Cold wave to grip North India for next few days, IMD issues warning for Delhi, NCR and neighbouring states
PTC Web Desk: Several parts of northern India are set to remain in the grip of biting cold as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cold wave warning for the next few days across multiple states, including Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
In its weather bulletin released on Sunday, January 11, the IMD said cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are very likely at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and west Uttar Pradesh. Cold wave conditions may also prevail over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Saurashtra and Kutch, and Uttarakhand on Monday, January 12.
The chilling spell is expected to continue on Tuesday as well, with isolated pockets in Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and west Uttar Pradesh likely to experience cold wave conditions. The IMD has indicated that Jharkhand may continue to face cold wave conditions till Thursday.
Plains colder than hills
In an unusual development, temperatures in several plains have dropped below those recorded in hill stations. According to the IMD’s forecast, Shimla is expected to record a maximum temperature of 16 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 9 degrees Celsius on Monday.
In contrast, Delhi is likely to see minimum temperatures plunging to between 3 and 4.2 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature may remain in the range of 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. Similar cold conditions have been observed in cities like Chandigarh, making the plains colder than some hill regions.
While no fresh weather warnings have been issued for Himachal districts such as Shimla and Kullu for the rest of the week, Delhi is expected to witness cold wave conditions over the next two days, followed by partly cloudy skies thereafter.
Dense fog warning issued
Apart from extreme cold, the IMD has also warned of dense fog across several regions. Parts of Uttar Pradesh are likely to experience dense fog on Monday. Similar conditions are expected in Bihar, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Rajasthan, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim and Uttarakhand.
Dense fog conditions are likely to persist in many of these areas till Thursday, January 15, potentially impacting visibility and transport services.
Possible impact of cold wave
The IMD has cautioned that prolonged exposure to cold wave and severe cold wave conditions can have serious implications for health and daily life. People may face an increased risk of illnesses such as flu, runny or blocked nose and nosebleeds. Shivering, which is an early sign of heat loss, should not be ignored, and individuals are advised to move indoors if symptoms appear.
Extended exposure can also lead to frostbite, particularly on exposed body parts such as fingers, toes, nose and earlobes. In severe cases, immediate medical attention is required.
Besides health concerns, cold wave conditions may also affect agriculture, crops, livestock, water supply, transport and power services in some areas.
- With inputs from agencies
