La Niña triggers early cold wave; Rajasthan dips below 10°C
What's the story
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of an impending cold wave in northern and central India. The weather department predicts snowfall in hilly regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand due to a western disturbance. This will lead to a drop in night temperatures across several states, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.
State impact
Rajasthan records sharp temperature drop
Rajasthan has already witnessed a major temperature drop, with 12 districts recording minimum temperatures below 10°C. Sikar, a hilly area in the state, recorded the lowest temperature at 7°C. Other cities such as Alwar, Jhunjhunu, and Udaipur also experienced extremely cold nights this season. The IMD has advised people to take precautions against the cold wave conditions, especially farmers and those traveling during early morning hours.
Regional impact
Cold wave alert in neighboring states
The cold wave conditions have also affected Madhya Pradesh, with cities like Bhopal, Rajgarh, Indore, and Shajapur witnessing a sharp temperature drop. Rajgarh recorded a low of 7°C. In Bihar's Patna, temperatures dropped to 17.8°C. Chhattisgarh's Surguja region has issued a cold wave alert, with Pendra recording nighttime temperatures of 9°C.
Climate cycle
La Niña's impact on weather
Meteorologists attribute some of the chills in the forecast to La Niña. La Niña is a phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which alternates between warmer and cooler ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean. This natural climate phenomenon occurs every two to seven years and has a major impact on global weather patterns. It increases the chances of extreme weather events like floods, heavy rainfall, droughts, and snowfall. La Niña also affects India's monsoon and winter seasons.
Rainfall
Tamil Nadu, Kerala to witness rainfall
According to IMD's latest bulletin, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are expected to see rain and thunderstorms on Monday. The bulletin also forecast isolated to scattered rainfall over Kerala, Mahe, Tamil Nadu, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms are very likely over several southern regions of India in the coming days. Meanwhile, in Delhi, shallow fog or mist is forecast during the morning hours till November 15.