AMN/ WEB DESK
Northern India is experiencing a severe cold wave, with states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh grappling with freezing temperatures and heavy rains. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several districts of these states, attributing the extreme weather to an incoming western disturbance.
In the Himalayan region, Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh have been covered in frost and snow, with waterfalls and streams freezing over. Srinagar recorded a biting nighttime low of minus 4.6 degrees celsius, while Konibal village in Kulgam district was the coldest in the region at a staggering minus 6.5 degrees celsius. Temperatures in the plains have also dropped sharply. Chandigarh recorded a chilling 0.8 degrees celsius, while Punjab’s Adampur registered 1.8 degrees celsius. Heavy fog has enveloped areas like Amritsar and Ludhiana, reducing visibility to just 100 meters. Rajasthan, felt the brunt of the cold wave, with Karauli experiencing the state’s lowest temperature at 4.5 degrees Celcius. Meanwhile, Delhi and its neighbouring regions faced light rainfall and dense fog, further adding to the wintry conditions.
Chandigarh recorded a chilling 0.8 degrees celsius, while Punjab’s Adampur registered 1.8 degrees celsius. Heavy fog has enveloped areas like Amritsar and Ludhiana, reducing visibility to just 100 meters. In Rajasthan, Karauli experienced the state’s lowest temperature at 4.5 degrees Celcius. Meanwhile, Delhi and its neighbouring regions faced light rainfall and dense fog, further adding to the wintry conditions.
The IMD has warned of worsening weather as the western disturbance is set to impact Northwest India from December 26. An induced cyclonic circulation over southwest Rajasthan is expected to form by December 27, drawing moisture from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. This will likely result in heavy rains and even colder conditions across the region until December 28.
In Uttarakhand, the Met Department has forecast snowfall in areas above 3,000 meters in altitude, while light to moderate rain is likely to affect the plains. In some parts of the state, light rain has already begun, leading to a further drop in temperatures.
In Ladakh, moderate-intensity western disturbance is expected to bring cloudiness and light to moderate snowfall at scattered locations between December 27 and 29. Travellers planning to use major passes should confirm road and weather conditions with the relevant authorities before setting out. Due to the likelihood of icy roads, all vehicles are advised to exercise extreme caution, maintain safe speeds, and strictly avoid overtaking, particularly on mountain passes.