Northern India is reeling under a severe cold wave as heavy snowfall in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh intensifies the winter chill. The plains, including Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan, are experiencing dense fog, disrupting daily life. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted hailstorms and light rain in parts of Madhya Pradesh, western Uttar Pradesh, and central India on December 27. The drop in temperatures across Delhi-NCR is attributed to a western disturbance and cold winds from the Bay of Bengal.
Severe Cold in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh
Srinagar recorded its coldest day of the season at -7.3°C, while Leh experienced a bone-chilling -12.6°C. Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul-Spiti district, specifically Tabo, remained the coldest spot at -10.6°C. Snowfall has paralyzed normalcy in Himachal Pradesh, with 226 roads, including three national highways, blocked due to heavy snow accumulation.
Fog Disrupts Life in Plains
In Delhi, visibility dropped to a mere 100 meters, causing delays for 20 trains and inconveniencing passengers. The city’s air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 333, falling under the ‘very poor’ category.
Rain and Fog Alerts
Rajasthan is likely to witness light rain and dense fog today. Key regions such as Udaipur, Ajmer, Kota, and Jaipur may see rain due to an active western disturbance from December 26. Pilani and Ganganagar recorded the lowest temperatures in the state at 6.6°C.
