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The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stark warning regarding the persistent cold wave conditions currently affecting significant portions of North India. This widespread chill encompasses key states such as Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. IMD scientists predict that these frigid conditions will continue for an estimated two to three days, impacting both central and northern regions of the country. The severity of the cold wave is underscored by the plummeting temperatures observed across these areas. In Delhi, for instance, the minimum temperature on Sunday, December 15th, plummeted to a chilling 4.9°C, a full three degrees below the seasonal average. This significant drop reflects the intensity of the cold wave and its impact on daily life in the capital city. The IMD forecast further suggests that the maximum temperature in Delhi will hover around 23°C, providing only limited respite from the intense cold.
Rajasthan, another state severely affected by this cold wave, recorded alarmingly low temperatures on the same day. Fatehpur, in particular, experienced sub-zero temperatures, registering a minimum of -1.2°C for the third consecutive day. This sustained period of freezing temperatures highlights the prolonged nature of the cold wave and its potential impact on vulnerable populations. Several other regions within Rajasthan also experienced freezing conditions. Karauli recorded a minimum temperature of 1.9°C, Churu at 2.4°C, and Bhilwara at 2.6°C. Similarly low temperatures were recorded in Sirohi (3.0°C), Chittorgarh (3.2°C), Pilani (4.0°C), Jaipur (4.5°C), and Sangaria (4.9°C). The IMD reported that numerous other locations within the state experienced minimum temperatures below 10°C, indicating the widespread nature of the cold weather phenomenon.
The impact of the cold wave extends beyond Rajasthan and Delhi, significantly affecting neighboring states as well. Haryana and Punjab experienced similarly harsh conditions. Faridkot, in Punjab, recorded the region's lowest temperature at a mere 1°C on Saturday, December 14th. Other locations in Punjab, including Pathankot (2.3°C), Gurdaspur (2.8°C), and Bathinda (3.4°C), also faced severely cold temperatures. Amritsar reported 3.4°C, while Ludhiana and Patiala registered slightly higher temperatures of 7.8°C and 6°C respectively. In Haryana, Karnal experienced a low of 4°C, with Hisar and Bhiwani close behind at 4.1°C. Narnaul faced a particularly biting chill at 4.5°C, while Rohtak and Ambala recorded 6.8°C and 7.5°C respectively. Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, reported a minimum temperature of 6.6°C, indicating that the cold wave affected this major urban center as well. The persistent cold weather conditions across these states necessitates increased caution and preparedness measures from residents.
Looking ahead, the IMD predicts that dry weather conditions will prevail until December 21st. However, warnings have been issued for further temperature drops across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, indicating that the cold wave's impact will likely continue in these northern regions. In contrast to the cold sweeping across the north, a different weather pattern is expected in the south. Rainfall is predicted in parts of southern India, including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. This shift in weather patterns is attributed to the influence of a Western Disturbance, a weather system that frequently brings significant changes to the Indian subcontinent's climate. The contrast between the extreme cold in the north and the anticipated rainfall in the south emphasizes the diverse and often unpredictable nature of Indian weather patterns during this time of year.
The IMD's forecasts underscore the importance of staying informed about weather conditions and taking necessary precautions. Individuals residing in the affected areas are urged to dress warmly, limit exposure to the cold, and stay updated on any further weather advisories. For those living in regions anticipating rainfall, preparations for potential flooding and waterlogging should be undertaken. The differing weather conditions across the country highlight the need for localized preparedness strategies and highlight the dynamic and sometimes contrasting nature of weather systems across India. Continued monitoring of weather forecasts is crucial for ensuring public safety and well-being across the nation.
Source: Weather Update: Cold wave conditions in North India; rains predicted across South