As the cold wave continues to sweep across North India, bone-chilling winds and fresh snowfall in the hilly regions have further intensified the winter conditions. According to meteorologists, relief from the biting cold and fog is unlikely in the coming days, with icy winds and lower temperatures set to persist.
Delhi Witnesses Cold Spell with Light Rain
The national capital remained under the grip of a cold wave on Monday, with light rainfall recorded in several parts of the city. While a brief improvement in visibility was observed after three days of dense fog, chilly winds kept temperatures low. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 9.6°C and a maximum temperature of 16.9°C.
Rainfall data from various monitoring stations showed:
- Najafgarh: 2.5 mm
- Pitampura: 2 mm
- Palam: 1 mm
- Pusa: 0.5 mm
IMD officials have predicted clear skies for Tuesday, with northwesterly winds blowing at speeds below 6 km/h. Moderate fog is expected across most areas in the morning, with patches of dense fog likely in isolated parts.
Snowfall in Kashmir Raises Night Temperatures
Fresh overnight snowfall in Kashmir brought a slight increase in nighttime temperatures, although the mercury remained below freezing in most parts of the valley. In Srinagar, the minimum temperature was recorded at -0.5°C, a two-degree rise from the previous night’s -2.5°C. Despite the slight increase, the freezing conditions persist across the region.
Key temperature readings from popular locations in Kashmir:
- Gulmarg: -4.5°C (renowned for its skiing activities)
- Pahalgam: -1.4°C (one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra)
- Kupwara: -0.3°C
- Kokernag: -0.4°C
- Qazigund: -0.0°C
Chilly Conditions Continue in Punjab and Haryana
Punjab and Haryana continued to reel under cold conditions on Monday, with morning fog reducing visibility in several areas. Despite the cold wave, a few locations in Punjab recorded temperatures slightly above normal. Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar’s Ballowal Saunkhri emerged as the coldest place in Punjab at 6.6°C.
Here’s a look at the minimum temperatures recorded across key cities in Punjab:
- Amritsar: 7.9°C (four degrees above normal)
- Ludhiana: 8.6°C
- Patiala: 8.4°C
- Pathankot: 9.3°C
- Bathinda: 7.4°C
- Gurdaspur: 8°C
In Haryana, the lowest temperature was recorded in Narnaul at 7.5°C, while other key cities registered the following:
- Ambala: 9.9°C
- Hisar: 9.4°C
- Karnal: 8.5°C
- Bhiwani: 10°C
- Sirsa: 12°C
Meanwhile, the joint capital Chandigarh recorded a minimum temperature of 9.8°C, which was three degrees above the normal temperature for this time of the year.
IMD’s Weather Forecast for the Coming Days
The IMD has forecast that most parts of North India will continue to experience moderate to dense fog in the mornings. While clear skies are expected during the day, minimum temperatures are unlikely to rise significantly, prolonging the chilly conditions across the region.
With snowfall continuing in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, cold winds from the mountains are expected to keep plains of North India in the grip of winter for the foreseeable future. Local authorities have advised residents to take precautions against the cold, especially during early mornings and late evenings.
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.