A significant portion of North India is currently experiencing the severe impact of dense fog and a persistent cold wave. States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, and Haryana have been enveloped. In thick fog during the morning hours, disrupting daily life and transportation. Concurrently, a cold wave continues to affect several parts of Uttar Pradesh, intensifying the chill. In the mountainous regions, particularly the Kashmir Valley, temperatures have plummeted below the freezing point, leading to severe cold conditions and a strong possibility of fresh snowfall in the near future.
Dense Fog Blankets Northern Plains
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), dense fog is expected to prevail over Delhi-NCR and other areas on the morning of December 28. This phenomenon isn't limited to the capital region; dense to very dense fog is highly likely at isolated places over Assam and Meghalaya, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. Also, isolated pockets of dense fog are also anticipated over Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, East Madhya Pradesh, Jammu region, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura, Odisha, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, and Uttarakhand, while this widespread fog Notably reduces visibility, posing challenges for commuters and affecting routine activities.
Uttar Pradesh Grapples with Cold Wave and Temperature Drop
Uttar Pradesh continued to experience the effects of a cold wave and dense fog on Saturday. Day temperatures across most parts of the state were recorded Importantly below normal, making the daytime feel unusually cold. In the state capital, Lucknow, the maximum temperature was recorded at 18 degrees Celsius, which is 3. 1 degrees below the normal average. The minimum temperature, however, was 10. 8 degrees Celsius, 3. 4 degrees above normal. The meteorological department has predicted dense fog during late night and morning hours in Lucknow. And its adjoining areas, while the sky is expected to clear up during the day.
Significant Temperature Deviations in Key UP Districts
Several districts in Uttar Pradesh witnessed a notable drop in day temperatures, while gorakhpur recorded a maximum temperature of 13. 2 degrees Celsius, a significant 7, while 4 degrees below its normal average. Similarly, Prayagraj registered a temperature of 16. 8 degrees Celsius, which was 6, while 1 degrees below normal. These figures highlight the intensity of the cold conditions even during daylight hours. On top of that, cities such as Varanasi, Bareilly, Etawah, Bahraich, and Barabanki also experienced temperatures four to six degrees below their average, indicating a widespread grip of the cold wave across the state.
Minimum Temperatures and Cold Wave Impact
Across most parts of Uttar Pradesh, the minimum temperatures hovered between six and 11 degrees Celsius. Etawah recorded a minimum temperature of 6, while 2 degrees Celsius, while Barabanki and Churk registered seven degrees Celsius. These low minimum temperatures are exacerbating the cold wave conditions, causing extreme chill during morning and night hours. The persistent cold wave poses particular challenges for people living outdoors and for livestock, necessitating adequate protective measures against the harsh weather.
Sub-Zero Chill in Kashmir Valley and Snowfall Prospects
While the northern plains battle dense fog and cold waves, the mercury in Jammu and Kashmir has dipped below zero. The Kashmir Valley is experiencing intense cold in several areas. The meteorological department has indicated the possibility of a new spell of snowfall in various parts of Kashmir. While snowfall will further intensify the cold, it will also add to the. Picturesque beauty of the valley, though it may also impact daily life and connectivity.
IMD's Broader Forecast and Safety Advisory
The India Meteorological Department, in its state-wise warning, has predicted dense to very dense fog at some places in Western Uttar Pradesh and many places in the eastern parts. Plus, cold conditions are expected to persist. Due to reduced visibility caused by dense fog, especially in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, the department has advised caution during morning hours. People are urged to exercise extreme vigilance while traveling in the mornings and to adhere to necessary safety precautions, while these weather conditions are expected to continue for the next few days, requiring residents to take appropriate measures to protect themselves from the cold.
