Severe cold conditions continue to affect large parts of the country. From North India to eastern and central regions, people are facing biting cold due to an ongoing cold wave. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cold wave conditions are likely to persist in many states over the next four days, with minimum temperatures expected to fall by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in several areas.
North India Faces Cold and Dense Fog
States such as Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh are witnessing intense cold along with dense fog. IMD has predicted dense fog in parts of Uttar Pradesh on December 15 and 16. Cold conditions are expected to continue in Himachal Pradesh from December 15 to 17, causing difficulties for daily life and travel.
Snowfall Continues in Higher Reaches of Kashmir
Snowfall is ongoing in the higher altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir. Places such as Zoji La Pass, Minamarg and Baltal have received fresh snowfall. For the first time this December, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 2 degrees Celsius, while temperatures dropped below 1 degree Celsius in Qazigund and Kokernag. Due to snowfall in the mountains, cold conditions may further intensify in the northern plains.
Cold Wave Conditions in Odisha and Jharkhand
Several parts of Odisha remain under the grip of a cold wave. Minimum temperatures at 12 locations in the state have fallen below 10 degrees Celsius, with Udayagiri in Kandhamal district emerging as the coldest place.
Similarly, Jharkhand is experiencing severe cold, with minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius in nine districts including Ranchi, Gumla, Khunti and Hazaribagh. Ranchi recorded a minimum temperature of 6.1 degrees Celsius.
Cold Increases in Chhattisgarh as Well
Cold conditions are also intensifying in Chhattisgarh, especially in northern and central parts of the state. Night temperatures have dropped significantly, with minimum temperatures in several districts hovering between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius. According to the weather department, dry northwesterly winds may lead to a further dip in night temperatures over the next few days. However, daytime weather is expected to remain clear with sunshine.
Weather Outlook for the Coming Days
IMD has forecast that minimum temperatures over northwest India may decrease by around 2 degrees Celsius over the next three days. In Gujarat, no major change in minimum temperature is expected initially, though a rise of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius is likely thereafter. In the rest of the country, including Chhattisgarh, no significant change in minimum temperatures is expected over the next seven days.
Advisory
People are advised to take precautions against cold and fog, wear warm clothing, and avoid unnecessary travel during early morning and late evening hours.