Severe Winter Conditions Grip North India
Weather Today: Winter has intensified across North India, with sharp temperature drops, dense fog, and cold wave conditions reported in several regions. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), areas including Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are experiencing harsh winter weather, while snowfall is expected in higher-altitude regions.
Delhi-NCR Sees Colder Days and Nights
Temperatures Remain Below Normal in Delhi
Delhi recorded below-average daytime temperatures, signaling a stronger winter spell. On Sunday, the maximum temperature stood at 17.3°C, nearly two degrees below the seasonal normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 7.4°C, slightly above average.
Different parts of the city reported varying minimum temperatures:
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Ridge: 8.9°C
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Lodhi Road: 7.6°C
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Safdarjung: 7.4°C
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Palam: 6.8°C
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Ayanagar: 6.6°C
On the higher side, maximum temperatures ranged between 16.3°C and 17.8°C across major locations.
Cold Wave Likely Till January 6
The IMD has warned that cold wave conditions may continue at isolated places in Delhi until January 6, keeping mornings and evenings extremely chilly.
Delhi Air Quality Remains a Major Concern
AQI Stays in ‘Very Poor’ Category
Along with cold weather, air pollution continues to trouble residents. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 307, falling under the ‘very poor’ category, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.
The relative humidity level was measured at 73%, further worsening fog and visibility conditions.
Dense Fog and Extreme Cold in Rajasthan
Temperatures Drop Sharply Across the State
Several parts of Rajasthan witnessed moderate to dense fog during morning hours. Fatehpur (Sikar district) emerged as the coldest place, recording a minimum temperature of 1.1°C.
Other notable readings include:
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Sirohi, Pali, Churu: 4.4°C
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Vanasthali: 4°C
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Lunkaransar: 2.8°C
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Sikar: 2.5°C
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Jaipur: 8.8°C
The weather department confirmed cold wave conditions at isolated locations in eastern Rajasthan.
Kashmir Battles Sub-Zero Temperatures During Chilla-e-Kalan
Freezing Conditions Continue Across the Valley
Kashmir remains in the grip of intense cold during Chilla-e-Kalan, the region’s harshest winter phase. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -3.2°C, marking a further dip from the previous night.
Other freezing locations include:
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Gulmarg: -6.5°C
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Pahalgam: -5°C
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Qazigund: -4°C
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Kupwara: -2.5°C
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Kokernag: -1.6°C
Snowfall Forecast for Himachal, Uttarakhand, and J&K
Light Rain and Snow Expected in Higher Reaches
The IMD has predicted light rain or snowfall at isolated places in the higher altitudes of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh on January 5 and 6.
Parts of Uttarakhand may also receive rain or snowfall on January 6, with ground frost expected in some regions.
Temperature Outlook for the Rest of India
Cooling Trend in Central and Eastern India
Minimum temperatures are likely to fall by 2–4°C over parts of Central and East India in the next three days, with stable conditions expected afterward.
Meanwhile, Gujarat may see a gradual rise in minimum temperatures over the coming five days. No major temperature changes are forecast for other parts of the country.
Conclusion
With cold waves, dense fog, poor air quality, and snowfall alerts, winter has firmly tightened its grip on North India. Residents are advised to stay alert, follow IMD weather updates, and take necessary precautions during this intense winter phase.
