On the first day of the New Year, the weather has spread severe cold in many parts of the country (Photo- ANI)
Digital Desk, New Delhi. On the first day of the new year, the weather has spread severe cold in many parts of the country. Dense fog and cold wave continue to wreak havoc in the plains of North India, while snowfall continues in the hilly states due to the effect of western disturbance. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning that the cold will deepen further in the next few days, due to which a huge drop in the minimum temperature can be recorded.
Shadow fog in Delhi NCR
According to the IMD, dense to very dense fog remained observed over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh till December 31, while this effect continued over eastern Uttar Pradesh till January 1. On the first day of the New Year, there was dense fog in Delhi-NCR in the morning, due to which visibility became extremely low. Light rain was also recorded at some places. Due to western disturbance, light to moderate snowfall and rain occurred in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, which may continue till January 1-2.
Weather experts say that after the western disturbance weakens, the cold winds coming from the north will intensify, which will increase the chill in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR and Uttar Pradesh. From January 3-4, this effect may reach Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, where cold wave conditions may occur. IMD has issued a warning of 'cold day' in many parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Fog situation also remains worrying
The fog situation also remains worrying. There is a possibility of dense fog at night and morning in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Odisha till January 5. Due to this, road, rail and air traffic is being affected. The minimum temperature in Delhi remained around 10-12 degrees Celsius, while the maximum reached 18-20 degrees.
People have been advised to wear warm clothes to protect themselves from cold, be careful while going out and keep a low speed while driving in fog. The Meteorological Department says that the sky may clear after January 3, but the cold will increase further. At the beginning of the new year, this winter is proving challenging for the people of North India.
Chances of rain in some areas of Uttarakhand also
There are chances of rain in some areas of Western Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand also. Although the minimum temperature will not drop much for a day or two due to mist and fog, but the effect of cold will increase after the rain. After this, the cold winds blowing from the north will intensify, whose direct effect will be visible in Punjab, Haryana and NCR. Due to this the minimum temperature will drop rapidly.
From January 3 and 4, these cold winds will reach Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, due to which cold wave conditions may arise there too. During this period, the Meteorological Department has issued a cold day warning in many parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which may last for a few days. The situation regarding fog also remains worrying.