NEW DELHI, January 13 — A severe cold wave is set to tighten its grip on north India on Tuesday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing red alerts for parts of Punjab and Haryana and warning of dense, disruptive fog across the northwest. The bitter chill, which saw Delhi record its coldest night of the season at 3.2 degrees Celsius on Monday, is expected to persist and intensify, even as southern states brace for rainfall.
What is the IMD forecast for north India?
The IMD has issued stark warnings for northwest India, predicting severe cold wave conditions alongside dense to very dense fog on Tuesday. A red alert for cold wave and dense fog is in effect for Punjab and Haryana for January 12-13, after which a yellow alert will remain until January 17. Temperatures have plummeted, with locations like Bathinda (0.6°C), Gurugram (0°C), and Amritsar (1°C) recording near-freezing minimums. Dense fog is specifically forecast for parts of Punjab, northern Rajasthan, and Haryana (including Hisar, Sirsa, Fatehabad, and Ambala), with patchy fog expected in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.
Which areas are under a red alert?
The IMD and the Chandigarh Meteorological Department have issued a red alert for Tuesday, January 13, for the states of Punjab and Haryana. This highest-level warning signifies severe weather conditions that can pose a risk to life and completely disrupt daily routines and transportation. The alert is specifically for severe cold wave and dense fog.
Will the cold wave affect other parts of India?
Yes, according to weather vlogger Devendra Tripathi, the cold conditions are likely to extend beyond north India. Temperatures are expected to fall across Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Gujarat, and the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. Dense fog is also anticipated in parts of Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, including areas like Najibabad, Meerut, and Moradabad.
What is the weather forecast for south India?
In contrast to the north, southern India is expecting different weather patterns. Rainfall is likely at a few places in coastal Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. Cloud formation and light rainfall are also possible in some areas of Maharashtra, including the regions south of Mumbai like Raigad, Ratnagiri, and in parts of Marathwada. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are expected to remain dry.
What was Delhi’s lowest temperature of season?
On Monday, January 12, Delhi, the nation’s capital, recorded the lowest minimum temperature of the current season at 3.2 degrees Celsius. This biting cold is expected to persist, with dense fog likely to further reduce visibility and intensify the chill factor.
