A strong cold wave has swept across large parts of north India, bringing icy temperatures, snowfall in the hills, and dense fog in many states. From Kashmir to Himachal Pradesh and across the plains of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, several regions are seeing a sharp fall in temperature. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued multiple cold wave and dense fog warnings, advising people to be prepared for freezing mornings and reduced visibility in the coming days.
Shopian in south Kashmir recorded the lowest temperature, dropping to minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest location in the region. The IMD had already predicted that cold wave conditions would intensify from December 9 onwards, especially in central, eastern and northern parts of the country. As temperatures continue to fall, early winter has tightened its grip on north India.
According to the IMD’s latest bulletin, cold wave conditions are expected to affect several states between December 10 and 13. Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha may witness severe cold wave conditions at isolated places during this period. Punjab is likely to experience similar weather from December 11 to 13. Telangana and Vidarbha could see the effects on December 10 and 11, while Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, north Rajasthan, Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada may face cold wave conditions on December 12 and 13.
Dense fog is also expected during early morning hours in some parts of the northeast and east. Assam and Manipur are likely to see patches of heavy fog from December 10 to 14. Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Odisha may experience fog on December 10 and 11.
In Delhi and nearby regions, cold air combined with fog has caused a noticeable drop in visibility. Morning temperatures have fallen sharply, and conditions are expected to worsen slightly before improving. Over the next two days, minimum temperatures over the plains of northwest India are likely to fall by around two degrees Celsius. After this, no major change is expected, and temperatures may rise gradually by two to four degrees Celsius over the following three days.
The IMD has urged people in affected areas to take precautions, especially during early morning and late evening hours. Low visibility can cause travel hazards, while extreme cold poses health risks for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children and outdoor workers.
ALSO READ: 150 years of Vande Mataram: BJP, Congress clash over missing stanzas
ALSO READ: Government expands crackdown by banning 23 organisations under UAPA in five years
Along with the cold wave, snowfall in the higher regions of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh has added to the winter chill. Light snowfall in the upper parts of central Kashmir made the Srinagar–Leh national highway slippery, affecting movement along this important route. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.5 degrees Celsius during the night, adding discomfort for residents.
Shopian in south Kashmir continued to remain the coldest, with temperatures dipping to minus 4.2 degrees Celsius. Such cold conditions are common for the region during winter, but the sudden drop this week has made residents prepare early for harsh weather.
Himachal Pradesh also witnessed cold wave conditions, especially in tribal and high-altitude regions. Rohtang Pass near Manali received fresh snowfall, creating beautiful winter scenes but also making travel difficult. Other upper areas of the state reported similar conditions. The Manali–Leh road has now been officially closed for vehicles beyond Darcha because of unsafe road conditions caused by snow and ice, officials said.
Heavy snowfall in parts of Himachal and Kashmir is expected to continue affecting road connectivity, especially in remote and mountainous areas. Public agencies have advised tourists and locals to avoid unnecessary travel, as slippery roads and freezing temperatures can be dangerous.
For many regions, however, the snowfall has also brought excitement and early winter tourism interest. Popular hill destinations in Himachal and Kashmir are seeing an increase in visitors hoping to enjoy the season’s first snow. Still, authorities have urged tourists to check weather updates and road conditions before planning trips.
Across the plains, the cold wave is likely to continue for several days. Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan may see some of the coldest nights of the season. With dense fog predicted in several parts of the country, people are being advised to drive carefully, use fog lights and avoid early-morning travel unless necessary.
As winter conditions deepen, the IMD will continue to monitor temperature trends and issue updates for affected states. The combination of cold winds, fog and snowfall is likely to define the weather pattern over north India for the rest of the week.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash