IMD Weather Update: Severe Cold Wave Alert For These Regions Till December 24

Delhi woke up to dense fog on Saturday as the minimum temperature dropped to 7.6°C, slightly below the seasonal average, with Palam recording 8.7°C. The maximum temperature for the day was forecast at 23°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Air Quality Shows Slight Improvement

Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped from 429 to 392, moving within the 'very poor' category but still posing health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. An AQI between 401 and 500 is considered 'severe,' impacting the entire population.

Cold Wave Warnings Across North India

The IMD has issued cold wave warnings for several states, forecasting severe conditions in:

• Himachal Pradesh: Severe cold wave from December 20 to 24.
• Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Saurashtra-Kutch: Cold wave conditions expected until December 21.
• The harshest winter period in Kashmir, Chillai Kalan, has already brought frigid nights, with Srinagar recording its coldest temperatures of the season.

Fog Alerts and Visibility Concerns

Dense fog conditions are expected in several states, impacting visibility:

• Punjab, Haryana, Assam, and Meghalaya: Fog likely until December 25.
• East Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Bihar, and West Bengal: Fog expected in isolated areas through December 22.

Snowfall and Rain Predictions

While dry weather will prevail in Himachal Pradesh in the coming days, snowfall is expected in higher-altitude areas around December 27-28, brought by an active western disturbance. Light snowfall and rain are also forecast in Jammu-Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Ladakh between December 22 and 24.

The combination of cold wave conditions, dense fog, and worsening air quality poses challenges across northern India. Residents are advised to take precautions, especially amid health risks due to poor air quality and extreme weather conditions.