The weather department stated that continuous cloud cover and the absence of sunlight have led to a 2-6 degree Celsius drop in maximum temperatures in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and northern Madhya Pradesh compared to normal.
Due to the snowy winds coming from the northwest directions, a bone-chilling cold has set in Northern India. The severe cold conditions on Thursday kept people shivering throughout the day, with maximum temperatures ranging between 12-18 degrees Celsius, several degrees below the usual. The weather department attributed this to the persistent cloud cover and the absence of sunlight in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and northern Madhya Pradesh, causing the maximum temperatures to drop by 2-6 degrees Celsius.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department, if the maximum temperature falls 4.5-6.4 degrees below normal, it is declared a cold day. A severe cold day is declared if the temperature is 6.5 degrees below normal. On Thursday, the maximum temperature in Safdarjung Observatory in Delhi was 12.5 degrees Celsius, 6.8 degrees below normal. Hisar in Haryana recorded a maximum temperature of 12 degrees Celsius, which is 6.8 degrees below normal. Patiala in Punjab registered a temperature of 10.5 degrees Celsius, 8.1 degrees below normal. Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh recorded a maximum temperature of 16.7 degrees Celsius, 7.3 degrees below normal.
Hope for Relief in the Coming Week The weather department predicts a slight increase of 2-4 degrees Celsius in both minimum and maximum temperatures after Sunday, owing to warm and moist southwesterly winds. In some parts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, southern Haryana, and southern Uttar Pradesh, there is a possibility of light rain in the early part of the coming week. Additionally, dense fog is forecasted in parts of Punjab, Haryana, and northern Rajasthan.
Impact on Train and Air Operations due to Dense Fog Due to reduced visibility caused by dense fog, at least 26 trains heading to Delhi were running late on Thursday. Air travel was also affected, leading to the cancellation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s program in Jammu city as his plane couldn’t land at Jammu Airport and was diverted to Pathankot.
Possibility of Rain on January 8 According to the weather department, there is a possibility of light rain or drizzle on January 8 and 9. Due to changes in weather patterns, the rain may lead to an increase in temperatures. It is anticipated that by January 10, the maximum temperature in Delhi could rise by up to five degrees Celsius, reaching around 17 degrees Celsius. The department believes that the rain could bring improvement in the situation by clearing the sky.
