Much of northern India continues to shiver under an intense cold wave and dense fog conditions that have disrupted daily life for millions. Since December 29, 2023, maximum temperatures across the region have dropped 5-8°C below normal, resulting in a prolonged chill.There was brief respite on January 7-8 due to a passing western disturbance. However, the relief was short-lived as frigid weather returned from January 9. According to forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cold wave and dense fog will prevail over Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and parts of Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.The IMD warned that dense to very dense fog will hit several states, with cold day to severe cold day conditions in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and others. Ground frost is also expected in isolated parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.The foggy conditions have severely impacted road, rail and air traffic over the past several days in Delhi and neighboring areas. On Friday, at least 22 trains were delayed across India and flight operations faced disruptions at Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport due to poor visibility.Cold wave continues to grip Delhi as the minimum temperature remains at 6 degrees Celsius today. The minimum temperature is expected to remain below 10 degrees Celsius for the next few days.(Drone visuals from Jama Masjid area, shot at 8.45 am) pic.twitter.com/J2AYPoSbgk— ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2024Per IMD, minimum temperatures range from 3-6°C in Punjab and parts of Haryana-Chandigarh. In Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, north Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, minimums range from 7-10°C. These are 1-3°C below normal in many parts of northwestern India.The dense fog and extreme cold are expected to continue over the next 2 days before decreasing in intensity. But cold wave to severe cold wave conditions may persist over the northwest plains during this period, the IMD predicted. Authorities have urged residents, especially the homeless, to take precautions amid the harsh conditions.
