Biting Cold Hits North India: Severe Weather Alert for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh

As winter tightens its grip, northern states including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh are bracing for an intense cold spell. Recent temperature records in Delhi mark the lowest this winter, prompting authorities to reassess routines. The coming days are expected to remain bitterly cold, with a severe cold wave predicted across the region.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh will endure a cold day to severe cold day on Monday and Tuesday, followed by a cold day on Tuesday and Wednesday. Uttar Pradesh is also set to experience a cold day, progressing to severe cold conditions by Tuesday.

Night temperatures are anticipated to plummet further, leading the IMD to issue a cold wave to severe cold wave warning for parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi until tomorrow. Uttar Pradesh and North Rajasthan are also expected to face a cold wave today.

The IMD issues a cold day warning when the minimum temperature drops below 10°C, with the maximum temperature falling 4.5°C to 6.4°C below normal. A severe cold day warning is issued for a temperature drop exceeding 6.4°C. Similarly, a cold wave warning is sounded when the minimum temperature in plains falls below 4°C, and a severe cold wave warning is issued for a drop below 2°C.

Minimum temperatures are expected to linger at frigid levels over Northwest India, with isolated parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan likely to experience ground frost. Thankfully, a modest 2°C rise might bring some relief to the region in the next four days.

Dense fog is also on the menu, with the IMD predicting dense to very dense fog in Jammu, Himachal, and Uttarakhand. Similar foggy conditions may envelop Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh until Friday. In response to these projections, the IMD has issued a red warning (indicating 'take action') for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh on Monday, deescalating to an orange alert (indicating 'be prepared') by Tuesday.

With foggy weather in play, drivers are cautioned to travel cautiously, using fog lights to prevent accidents. Individuals are also advised to stay updated on transportation delays, as airlines, trains, and buses may experience disruptions. To combat the cold, people are urged to layer up with loose, light woolen clothes, covering the head, neck, hands, and feet to retain body heat effectively.