New Delhi: Cold-wave conditions have enveloped several northern Indian states, with the national capital experiencing its coldest day of the season at a bone-chilling 4.8 degrees Celsius. This temperature marks the lowest recorded so far this winter, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD has ominously predicted that temperatures could plunge even further, potentially reaching 4 degrees Celsius on Thursday. Just a day prior, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 4.9 degrees Celsius, which is significantly lower than average for this time of year. The cold wave is not limited to Delhi it has also struck other states including Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana, while Jammu and Kashmir experienced fresh snowfall on Wednesday, adding to the winters harshness.Forecasts Indicate Continued Cold Wave Conditions with Limited Relief in SightThe regional meteorological center in Delhi has forecasted a mainly clear sky for Thursday, but warns that cold wave conditions will persist in isolated areas. The morning is expected to bring smog and mist, with similar conditions likely to continue into the evening and night. The anticipated maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 23 degrees Celsius and 4 degrees Celsius, respectively. Furthermore, weather experts note that this early December cold snap is particularly notable as it marks the first time in 14 years that minimum temperatures have dipped below 5 degrees Celsius during this period.The IMDs data reveals that the last time temperatures fell this low was on December 6, 1987, when they reached a frigid 4.1 degrees Celsius. The agency has issued a yellow alert for Delhi, indicating that similar cold wave conditions are expected to persist over the next few days.Widespread Cold Wave Alerts Across Northern India as Temperatures Continue to PlummetAccording to IMD forecasts, minimum temperatures across northwest and central India are not expected to fluctuate significantly over the next four to five days. In East India, temperatures are projected to gradually drop by 2-3 degrees Celsius, while West India may see a slight rise in minimum temperatures by the same margin. The IMD has specifically warned that cold wave conditions are likely to persist in isolated areas of Rajasthan until December 16, with similar warnings issued for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh until the same date. In Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad, these conditions are expected from December 13 to 16.As residents brace for these extreme weather conditions, many are left wondering how long this icy grip will last and what impact it may have on daily life across these regions.
