IMD Issues Cold Wave Warning: North India Braces For Further Temperature Drop

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a further decrease in temperatures across Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan over the next two days. Naresh Kumar, an IMD scientist, explained that a western disturbance near Punjab is likely to cause light rain or snowfall in isolated parts of the western Himalayan region. This weather system is expected to contribute to cooler conditions in the plains.

Residents in these areas should brace for colder weather as temperatures are set to drop. The recent rain in northwest India, including Delhi-NCR, and light snowfall in higher regions were due to this disturbance. Currently positioned near Punjab, it may lead to light rain or snowfall in isolated areas of the western Himalayas.

Temperature Drop Expected

The wind flow will be northwesterly, causing a temperature decrease of about 2°C in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, and Rajasthan over the next two days. This could result in a cold wave in Rajasthan and Haryana, with temperatures potentially falling to 4°C. "Yesterday's rain in parts of northwest India was due to a western disturbance," Naresh Kumar told ANI.

In Jammu and Kashmir, cold wave conditions have severely affected daily life as temperatures have plummeted below zero in many places. Srinagar recorded -5.2°C at 5:30 am on Tuesday. Other areas reported temperatures like -0.6°C in Gulmarg and -6.8°C in Pahalgam.

Western Disturbance on December 26

A significant western disturbance is anticipated on the night of December 26. This system might bring hailstorms and thunderstorms to northwestern and central India, along with light to moderate snowfall in the Himalayan region on December 27 and 28. North India continues to experience cold weather with dropping temperatures across several states.

Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 7°C on Tuesday; Monday saw a minimum of 8°C and a maximum of 20°C. In Rajasthan, the ongoing cold has disrupted daily life significantly. Bikaner registered a temperature of 9°C according to IMD data.

The IMD defines a cold wave as occurring when the minimum temperature is 10°C or lower in plains and 0°C or lower in hilly regions. In Banihal, temperatures were recorded at -0.8°C while Kupwara experienced -4.6°C.

As winter tightens its grip across northern India, residents are advised to prepare for colder days ahead as forecasted by IMD experts.