Jaipur : Rajasthan and neighboring states are reeling under a severe cold wave following heavy rainfall earlier this week. Dense fog has blanketed cities like Jaipur, severely reducing visibility and slowing vehicular movement. Visibility plummeted to 50 meters in western Rajasthan and below 70 meters in eastern parts of the state, forcing motorists to rely on headlights even during the day. Although sunlight broke through the clouds later in the afternoon, the biting cold persisted, leaving residents shivering.
Plummeting Temperatures Across Rajasthan
The Rajasthan Meteorological Department reported temperatures dipping below 10°C in 19 cities overnight. Mount Abu recorded the lowest temperature at 2.2°C, making it the coldest spot in the state. Over the past 24 hours, nighttime temperatures have dropped by as much as 8°C in some cities, with Dabok witnessing a dramatic fall of 7.8°C.
Daytime temperatures also saw a decline, with Sriganganagar recording a high of just 12°C, marking it as the coldest day in the state. Jaipur’s maximum and minimum temperatures fell to 17.9°C and 7.2°C, respectively, adding to the city’s winter woes.
Dense Fog Alert for the Next Three Days
As the western disturbance moves away, Rajasthan is bracing for intensified cold conditions. The Meteorological Center in Jaipur has issued a dense fog alert for parts of the state over the next three days.
- Minimum Temperatures to Drop Further: Nighttime temperatures are expected to decline by 3–4°C during this period.
- Cold Wave Likely: The cold wave is forecasted to persist, exacerbating the chill across the state.
- Relief from Fog by January 1: The weather is expected to clear by January 1, though cold conditions will remain.
Cold Day Conditions in Key Cities
Several cities reported “cold day” conditions, with daytime temperatures plummeting significantly:
- Nohar: 10.9°C
- Lunkaransar: 11.1°C
- Sriganganagar: 12.1°C
- Sangaria: 12.3°C
Temperature Highlights in Major Cities
- Mount Abu: 2.2°C
- Sirohi: 4.1°C
- Sikar: 5.7°C
- Churu: 6.4°C
- Jaipur: 7.2°C
Cold Intensifies Across Madhya Pradesh
Bhopal, December 30 (H.S.) – Madhya Pradesh has also witnessed a steep temperature drop following heavy rainfall. Over the weekend, nighttime temperatures plummeted across several cities, with Marukheda in Neemuch recording a low of 8.6°C.
- Dense Fog Alert: The Meteorological Department has issued a fog warning for Gwalior-Chambal regions over the next two days, with chilling winds expected to grip the entire state starting January 1.
- Cold Wave Forecast: January is projected to see 20–22 days of cold wave conditions across Madhya Pradesh.
Himachal Pradesh: Snowfall Disrupts Life
Shimla, December 29 (H.S.) – After two days of heavy snowfall, Himachal Pradesh is seeing some relief as clear skies emerged on Sunday. However, the cold wave continues to impact daily life, with temperatures in six key towns dipping below freezing.
- Lowest Temperatures:
- Tabo: -12.3°C
- Kukumseri: -7°C
- Kalpa: -3.4°C
- Roads Blocked: Over 400 roads, including three national highways, remain blocked due to heavy snowfall. Restoration efforts are underway, with priority given to clearing major routes like NH-5 near Narkanda and roads in Lahaul-Spiti.
Impact of the Cold Wave
The severe cold has disrupted life in several regions:
- Visibility Issues: Dense fog has slowed vehicular movement across North India.
- Health Concerns: The cold wave poses risks such as flu, frostbite, and hypothermia.
- Livelihood Impact: Farmers and livestock owners are struggling to protect crops and animals from the biting cold.
Preventive Measures for the Cold Wave
- Stay Warm: Wear layered, loose-fitting clothing to retain body heat. Cover the head, neck, and extremities.
- Healthy Diet: Consume vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables to boost immunity.
- Caution Indoors: Ensure proper ventilation when using heaters. Avoid using gas or electric heaters without supervision.
- Protect Animals: Keep livestock in sheltered areas and provide warm bedding.
Weather Outlook
- Rajasthan: Dense fog and severe cold will persist until January 1, with minor relief expected thereafter.
- Madhya Pradesh: The cold wave will peak in the first week of January, with prolonged foggy conditions.
- Himachal Pradesh: Another round of snowfall is expected between January 2 and 4, providing a winter wonderland for tourists.
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.
