The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe cold wave alert for several states in North India as temperatures plunge, with dense fog adding to the winter woes. Here's a detailed look at the current weather conditions across affected regions:
States Under Cold Wave Alert
Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Punjab, Telangana, Odisha, and Delhi are experiencing a severe drop in temperatures due to the impact of snowfall in the northern mountains.
Temperature Updates
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Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir:
- Lahaul Spiti recorded a bone-chilling -10.6°C, the lowest in Himachal Pradesh.
- Srinagar saw temperatures fall to -3.4°C.
- The regions are bracing for further drops, especially around December 21 and 22.
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Delhi:
- The national capital is grappling with both extreme cold and worsening air pollution.
- Minimum temperature: 4.1°C (recorded Monday night).
- Air Quality: Reached the "very poor" category, prompting the implementation of GRAP 4 measures.
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Rajasthan:
- Fatehpur recorded the lowest temperature in the state at 0.4°C.
- Other notable temperatures:
- Churu: 1.5°C
- Alwar: 2.2°C
- Sikar: 2.5°C
- Pilani and Sangaria: 2.7°C
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Punjab and Haryana:
- Faridkot and Hisar saw temperatures drop to 0.6°C.
- Chandigarh's maximum temperature stood at 26°C, slightly above normal, but the cold wave persists in Ludhiana and Patiala (3.6°C).
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Odisha:
- 15 districts reported temperatures below 10°C, with Mayurbhanj district hitting 1°C, the state’s lowest.
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Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh:
- Eastern Uttar Pradesh is on alert for dense fog and frost in many areas.
- Cold wave conditions will persist across both states.
What to Expect Next?
- Hilly Areas: Dry weather with light snowfall in higher altitudes.
- Cold Wave Duration: Expected to continue for the next three days, offering little relief from the biting cold.
- Dense Fog: Predicted to dominate eastern Uttar Pradesh and other northern plains, reducing visibility.
Safety Tips During the Cold Wave
- Stay indoors as much as possible, especially during early mornings and late nights.
- Wear warm layers and protect extremities from the cold.
- Use heaters responsibly and ensure proper ventilation.
- Follow local weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel in areas affected by fog.
Stay informed and stay safe as winter intensifies across the region!