North India is bracing for a spell of intense cold and dense fog, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a significant drop in temperatures over the coming days. Nighttime temperatures in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan are expected to dip by 3-4°C, beginning Monday, as the region experiences the full force of winter.
The IMD has issued cold wave warnings for parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, with conditions likely to persist into the New Year. Punjab and Haryana are expected to face severe cold from December 31 to January 2, while Rajasthan may experience biting cold from December 30 through January 2. Daytime temperatures are predicted to range between 12°C and 16°C, even under clear skies, providing little relief from the icy conditions.
For the northern plains, a cold wave is declared when the minimum temperature falls to 10°C or below and is at least 4.5°C below the seasonal average. With the expected plunge, these thresholds are likely to be met, particularly in areas already grappling with a chill.
The IMD has also projected significant temperature drops across other regions of India. Central parts of the country may see a fall of 3-5°C starting Tuesday, while eastern states could experience a dip of 3-4°C over three days from Tuesday onward. Maharashtra is also set to witness a reduction in minimum temperatures by 2-4°C over the next five days.
Uttar Pradesh, another northern state, is forecast to endure a sharp drop in nighttime temperatures by 4-6°C over the next five days. Meanwhile, a new western disturbance is poised to impact northwest India starting January 6, potentially bringing rainfall and snowfall to the western Himalayan region.
Dense fog is expected to accompany the cold wave, particularly on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, which could disrupt visibility and travel plans across the region. Residents are advised to prepare for the severe cold and take necessary precautions as the weather intensifies.
With the mercury set to plunge across much of the country, the end of 2024 is shaping up to be a frosty farewell to the year.
