North India continues to be battered by an intense cold wave, disrupting daily life in both hilly regions and the plains. With sub-zero visibility due to dense fog, canceled flights, delayed trains, and school closures, residents are facing the full brunt of winter. Meanwhile, isolated parts of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are experiencing unusual warmth, with maximum temperatures breaking previous records.
Bihar: Flights Canceled, Trains Delayed Due to Dense Fog
Severe fog in Bihar has led to 25 flight cancellations and significant train delays across the state. Visibility dropped drastically, forcing authorities to halt services. The minimum temperature dipped below 10°C in 19 districts, making conditions harsh for residents. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), foggy conditions are likely to persist, disrupting travel for the next few days.
Key Impact
- Visibility issues: Several highways saw reduced traffic due to poor visibility.
- Transportation woes: Public transport, especially trains and buses, faced delays of up to several hours.
- Civic impact: Schools in some regions advised parents to take extra precautions for children traveling in early mornings.
Uttar Pradesh: Coldest Day in Meerut, Zero Visibility Reported
The chill worsened across Uttar Pradesh, with Meerut recording the coldest day of the season. The daytime temperature in Meerut stood at 12.1°C, making it the coldest region in the state.
Due to high humidity levels and an active western disturbance, the fog density in West UP peaked, reducing visibility to zero across several towns, including Muzaffarnagar and Ghaziabad.
Resident Experience
“We didn’t see the sun the whole day. The cold was unbearable, and even indoor heating didn’t help much,” said a resident of Meerut. The IMD predicts similar conditions to persist, urging residents to stay indoors during peak cold hours.
Jharkhand: Schools Shut Till January 13 Amid Cold Wave
Facing the brunt of the cold wave, the Jharkhand government has ordered all schools up to Class 8 to remain closed until January 13. The decision was taken after several districts reported a significant drop in temperature, accompanied by thick fog. Classes 9-12 will continue as per the pre-scheduled timetable.
In Ranchi and Jamshedpur, local authorities have issued advisories urging parents to ensure children wear adequate winter clothing when stepping out.
Odisha: Cold Wave Grips State, Temperatures Drop Sharply
Odisha is experiencing one of its harshest winters, with several districts reporting minimum temperatures below 10°C. The cold wave was particularly severe in Kandhamal’s G Udayagiri, which recorded a low of 4.6°C.
Weather experts attribute this to strong northern winds sweeping down from the Himalayas. The IMD has issued a yellow alert, warning of severe cold in the coming days.
Rajasthan: Life Disrupted by Icy Winds and Dense Fog
Rajasthan continues to shiver as temperatures plunge across the state. The lowest temperature was recorded at 6.4°C in Vanasthali, with several areas experiencing dense fog throughout the day.
The chilling conditions have disrupted normal life, with early morning visibility near zero in Jaipur, Ajmer, and Udaipur. The IMD predicts colder days ahead, warning of a further dip in night temperatures.
Punjab and Haryana: Zero Visibility Woes Continue
The cold wave has firmly gripped Punjab and Haryana, with several regions experiencing zero visibility due to dense fog. Major cities like Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Ambala, and Hisar reported near-zero visibility, affecting road and rail traffic.
In Haryana’s Narnaul, the minimum temperature dipped to 4.4°C, making it one of the coldest places in the state. Authorities have advised people to limit unnecessary travel during early mornings and late nights.
Himachal and Uttarakhand: Record High Temperatures Amidst Winter
While most of North India struggles with freezing cold, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are seeing a surprising trend of unusually warm days. On January 3, Himachal recorded a high of 22°C, breaking the previous record of 21.4°C set in 2006.
Experts suggest that while daytime temperatures remain abnormally high, night temperatures are expected to drop with an incoming western disturbance that could result in rainfall on Sunday and Monday.
Temperature Trends
- Dehradun: Daytime temperature 7-10°C above normal.
- Mukteshwar: Clear skies and warm afternoons.
Despite the warm days, Haridwar continues to experience severe cold, with dense fog resulting in a chilly atmosphere.
January Rain Alert: More Cold Expected
According to the IMD, a fresh western disturbance is expected to affect parts of North India, including Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, bringing rainfall over the next two days. The precipitation is likely to lower temperatures further, intensifying the cold wave.
States like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi-NCR may also see a drop in minimum temperatures due to icy winds blowing from the hills.
Safety Advisory
Authorities have issued guidelines to help residents cope with the ongoing cold wave:
- Avoid early morning travel: Dense fog and low visibility make commuting risky.
- Wear layered clothing: Dressing in layers helps retain body heat.
- Ensure proper heating indoors: Use heaters with adequate ventilation to avoid risks of suffocation.
- Stay hydrated: Even in winter, drinking enough water is crucial to maintaining health.
- Check on vulnerable groups: Elderly people and young children are more susceptible to cold-related illnesses.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
