According to the latest IMD forecast, north India is grappling with an intense cold wave as temperatures drop to record lows. Kashmir’s Chillai Kalan, the 40-day harshest winter period, began with Srinagar witnessing its coldest December night in 50 years.
On Saturday night, temperatures in Srinagar plunged to minus 8.5 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest December night since 1974. The iconic Dal Lake partially froze due to the extreme cold.
As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Srinagar’s record-breaking cold was the third lowest December temperature since 1891. The all-time low for the month remains minus 12.8 degrees Celsius, recorded on December 13, 1934.
Chillai Kalan will last until January 31, 2025, followed by Chillai Khurd (small cold) and Chillai Bachha (baby cold), ensuring the cold wave continues well into February.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged the severe cold wave and decided to cancel his scheduled programmes in Jammu to stay in Srinagar. He emphasised monitoring winter arrangements, particularly the functioning of power and electricity services. Abdullah expressed his regret for the inconvenience caused but stated that this was the right decision under the circumstances.
Meanwhile, Delhi also experienced harsh winter conditions, with the minimum temperature dropping to 8 degrees Celsius on Sunday morning. The city was enveloped in thick fog, and visuals showed residents gathering around bonfires and taking refuge in night shelters to combat the cold.
Delhi’s air quality remained a concern, with the AQI hitting a ‘severe’ level of 427, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Rajasthan was not spared from the cold wave either. Karauli recorded the lowest temperature in the state at 4.5 degrees Celsius, followed by Sangaria at 5.3 degrees and Fatehpur at 5.4 degrees Celsius. Other cities like Churu, Alwar, Sriganganagar, Dholpur, and Anta also reported temperatures ranging between 6.6 and 7.8 degrees Celsius.
The IMD forecast indicates that while the weather across Rajasthan remains mainly dry, some areas continue to experience foggy conditions.
Adding to the winter’s intensity, December 21 marked the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata recorded varying daylight durations, with Delhi experiencing only 10 hours and 19 minutes of daylight.
As north India braces for more severe winter conditions, residents are urged to stay prepared for the ongoing cold wave.
Also Read: IMD issues cold wave alert for these Northern states
Follow us
