Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Intense cold waves have gripped the country, with temperatures plummeting to record lows across northern and central India. From Jammu & Kashmir’s Jozila, which recorded a bone-chilling -22°C, to Uttar Pradesh breaking a 20-year cold record, the winter is proving to be exceptionally harsh this year.
Cold Wave Sweeps Across India
The Meteorological Department reported that cold wave conditions intensified earlier than usual, with severe chills gripping regions typically unaffected this early in the season. Normally, cold waves hit northern India by the third or fourth week of December, but this year, the trend appears to have shifted.
Regional Impact
Odisha and Madhya Pradesh:
•Odisha: Mayurbhanj district recorded an astonishing -10°C. Frost formed on leaves due to freezing temperatures, an unusual sight in the state.
•Madhya Pradesh: Shahdol registered a minimum of 1.5°C, while Bhopal’s night temperature dipped below 4°C, marking the second-lowest December temperature in a decade. The state is under a cold wave alert, with relief expected after December 17-18.
Rajasthan:
•Eleven cities experienced their coldest temperatures of the season, with mercury levels dropping below 4°C in 15 cities on Saturday.
Uttar Pradesh:
•A cold wave claimed its first casualty in Chitrakoot, where a farmer reportedly succumbed to the freezing conditions. The state shattered its 20-year record for December cold.
Jammu & Kashmir:
•Jozila recorded the lowest temperature at -22°C, while other areas like Srinagar (-3.4°C), Pahalgam (-4°C), and Gulmarg (-3.8°C) also recorded sub-zero temperatures. Snowfall in the region has further exacerbated the cold.
Weather Alerts
•Sunday Alerts: Severe cold wave and cold day alerts have been issued for multiple states, including Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
•Bhopal & Indore: These cities, along with 36 districts in Madhya Pradesh, are under a cold wave and cold day alert. Searing winds intensified the chill on Saturday across the state.
•Bihar and Haryana: Cold wave warnings were issued for these states, along with 14 others.
Severe Conditions to Persist
The India Meteorological Department has warned that cold conditions will likely persist for the next 2-3 days across northern and central India. While slight relief is expected after December 18, severe cold wave conditions are set to challenge residents in Punjab, Delhi, and other affected regions.
