North India Braces for Intense Cold Wave and Snowfall from Thursday

Key Takeaways:

• IMD and Skymet predict heavy snowfall in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand from Jan 15-16.
• Plains of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, UP, Rajasthan to face cold wave, dense fog from Jan 17.
• Temperatures to drop by 3-6°C; Delhi may see lows of 4-5°C by Jan 18.
• Cold conditions to extend to Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh from Jan 19.

A severe cold wave and heavy snowfall are set to grip north India starting Thursday, January 15, as forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Skymet Weather. The weather shift, driven by a fresh western disturbance, will bring widespread disruption to daily life, transport, and agriculture across several states.

Snowfall Alert for Himalayan States

A western disturbance will affect the western Himalayan region from January 15. This will lead to widespread rainfall and snowfall over Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Isolated heavy snowfall is very likely over Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, and Himachal Pradesh on January 15 and 16.

Cold Wave and Dense Fog for Northwest Plains

Following the disturbance, cold northwesterly winds will sweep across the plains from January 17. Minimum temperatures are expected to drop by 3-5°C over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Rajasthan.

The IMD has forecast dense to very dense fog in morning hours over parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh for the next 2-3 days.

Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are likely in some pockets over Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh during January 17-19. Isolated cold wave conditions are also predicted for Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan from January 18-19.

“The western disturbance will start affecting the hills from January 15. Under its influence, moderate to heavy snowfall is expected over Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The plains of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh will also witness a drop in minimum temperatures,” said a Skymet Weather official.

Impact on Delhi and Central India

In Delhi, the minimum temperature is likely to drop to 4-5°C by January 18, with cold wave conditions in isolated pockets. The capital has already been experiencing dense fog, causing disruptions to flight and train services.

The cold wave is expected to extend to parts of central India, including and Chhattisgarh, from January 19 onwards.

Precautions and Advisory

Weather agencies have advised people to take necessary precautions. The IMD has urged the public to stay indoors as much as possible, wear warm clothes, and avoid exposure to the cold during early morning and late evening hours.

Farmers have been suggested to take measures to protect their crops from the cold wave. Authorities are on alert to handle any emergencies arising from the severe conditions, which are expected to persist for at least 3-4 days.