Cold wave to grip northwest India for next 4-5 days
What's the story
As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday, cold wave and dense foggy conditions are back in Delhi again after a short respite during New Year as chilly winds from the Himalayas blow over the plains. IMD also added that the maximum temperature fell five notches below normal at numerous places in the national capital, including Mayur Vihar, Jafarpur, Lodhi Road, and Palam.
Context
Why does this story matter?
A cold wave gripped the Indo-Gangetic plains in the final week of December, with Delhi reporting three degrees Celsius minimum temperature on Christmas Day. However, Delhiites got a short respite on New Year's Day. Meanwhile, very dense fog blocked the sun, triggering a low daytime temperature in the area and a deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI).
Details
Poor visibility causing road accidents in northwest India
The IMD has issued an alert about dense fog over northwest India, which might trigger difficult driving conditions, accidents, and power line trips. Numerous car crashes and vehicle pile-ups have been reported recently in northern India. The weather office has also claimed that north India might witness numerous train delays and flight cancellations due to the low visibility caused by the fog.
Report
Over 21 trains to Delhi delayed amid bad weather
A very cold day was reported in Delhi on Tuesday and in parts of Bihar, Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, as freezing breezes from the Himalayas mopped through the plains. At least 21 trains to the national capital were delayed by nearly one-and-a-half to five hours amid the foggy weather conditions, an Indian Railways spokesperson told PTI on Tuesday.
Information
Flights to Delhi diverted amid poor viability
Due to bad weather conditions, five flights were diverted to Jaipur from Delhi on Monday night, an airport official was quoted as saying. A blanket of fog covered parts of the capital in the morning, affecting visibility and vehicular movement.
Weather report
Foggy conditions will persist in northwest India: IMD
The weather office reported that Delhi would experience "moderate" to "dense" fog for the next few days. It also added that cold wave conditions would return on the weekend, with the temperature set to drop to four degrees Celsius. IMD said "cold day" conditions and "dense" to "very dense" fog will persist over parts of northwest India in the coming four to five days.
Twitter Post
IMD's weather update post on Twitter
i) Dense to very dense fog and cold day conditions very likely to continue over northwest India during next 4-5 days.
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) January 3, 2023
ii) Cold wave conditions very likely to continue over northwest India during next 3 days and decrease in intensity thereafter. pic.twitter.com/6Rlq10xy0m
Healthcare
IMD warns about potential health issues amid bad weather
Besides cautioning against unfavorable weather conditions, the IMD has warned citizens that they may also experience health issues. People suffering from bronchitis and asthma might suffer from shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. In order to avoid these circumstances, individuals are recommended to carry essentials like medicines and water, especially while going on long journeys.