New year begins with the first drizzle of winter in Haryana. file photo
Jagran correspondent, Panipat. The new year started with the first drizzle of winter and with it the weather suddenly changed. While light rain after a long interval increased the humidity in the atmosphere, the combination of strong wind and fog made the chill more intense.
Sun God was not seen throughout the day on Thursday, due to which the effect of cold remained throughout the day. People remained hiding in their homes and were seen resorting to bonfires and warm clothes to protect themselves from the cold. According to the Meteorological Department, the maximum temperature of the district was recorded at 13.8 degrees Celsius on Thursday, while with the increase in the minimum temperature it reached 9.1 degrees Celsius.
This increase in temperature may seem like a relief, but due to moisture and fog in the air, the feeling of cold was much more. Visibility on the roads reduced during the morning and evening hours, due to which the drivers also had to face problems.
As soon as the drizzle stopped, a blanket of fog once again spread. Due to the moisture present in the air, the sky was not completely clear. Meteorologists say that this wet period may continue till Friday morning, while the weather is expected to gradually clear in the evening and night. After this, there is a possibility of further deepening of mist and fog with drop in temperature.
Widespread impact of western disturbance
Active Western Disturbance is considered to be the main reason behind this change in weather. This system has already affected the northern mountainous areas. Snowfall has started in many areas, while there is a possibility of snowfall at some places.
The effect of snowfall in the mountains is being seen in the form of cold winds in the plains, due to which the conditions of cold and cold wave can become more severe.
According to experts, drizzle in some parts of North and Western Haryana will also partially reduce the pollution level. The dust and pollutant particles present in the air will settle on the ground, which may improve the air quality for a few days.
First winter rain, impact deep
This is considered to be the first rain of the winter season for this region. This rainfall in the beginning of January is indicating that the effect of cold and fog may increase further in the coming days.
The weather is expected to clear up to some extent late Thursday night and Friday, but as the system passes, north-westerly cold winds will blow. Due to this, the cold wave situation may become stronger.
The Meteorological Department has expressed apprehension that transport services may be affected due to fog. There may be delays or interruptions in rail, road and air traffic. Visibility is likely to be very low, especially in the morning, hence drivers have been advised to be extra cautious.
Hope of relief for farmers
While this weather is becoming a cause of trouble for the common people, this drizzle has brought news of relief for the farmers. Dr. Satpal Singh, coordinator of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, said that light drizzle works as nitrogen for the crops. If there is good rainfall in future then it can prove to be a boon for the wheat crop. This will maintain moisture in the fields and crop growth will improve.
bonfire and warm clothes
In view of the increasing cold, people were seen warming themselves by bonfires at various places in the city and rural areas. The effect of cold was especially severe in the morning and late evening. Demand for warm clothes, sweaters, jackets and blankets has also increased in the markets.
Overall, the first rain of the new year has completely changed the mood of the weather. Cold, fog and cold wave may affect people's daily routine in the coming days. Keeping in mind the warnings of the Meteorological Department, being cautious is considered to be the best solution at the moment.