Monday saw the cold wave grip tighten around north India with fresh snow falling on large areas of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, taking temperatures dramatically low, causing extensive travel industry problems. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cold-wave alert to the city of Delhi and its suburbs to anticipate a sudden, drastic drop in temperature in the first half of the week.
Fresh Snowfall Across Himalayan States
Moderate to heavy snowfall occurred in the upper parts of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, with several hill stations becoming winter scenes well before the normal season. Popular resorts such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Kufri, and Manali had heavy snowfall, whereas the government advised against traveling on mountain roads as the roads are slippery. Local governments reported clearing routes and that some routes within the country were still closed due to snow.
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Delhi Under Cold Wave Alert
IMD has issued a cold-wave alert for Delhi within the next 48 hours, claiming that minimum temperatures may drop drastically, with thick mists observed in the early morning. On Monday, the capital was woken up to chilly winds, and the day temperatures remained several degrees under the seasonal averages. The weather office reported that the west Himalayan wind patterns were blowing the colder air to the plains, causing abrupt temperature drops in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh.
Travel Disruptions Likely as Fog Sets In
It is projected that air and rail operations will be disrupted in the coming days as the visibility levels are dropping gradually towards the end of the night and the morning months. Some trains that have already reported delays in the past 24 hours are already, and flight schedules in Delhi airport are being monitored closely in order to avert cascading disruptions. Transport authorities indicated that backup plans were being made, especially during times of heavy morning departures, in case the thick fogs intensify.
Public Health Advisory Issued
The IMD has encouraged the occupation of particular individuals in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh to exercise precautionary measures against long-term exposure to cold conditions, especially infants, the aged, and those with breathing conditions. Existing cold winds and fog usually increase the problem of breathing in the cities, and doctors warned that the effect of the low temperatures might be more complicated by the pollution level. Several cities have already started working on a winter timing, and some states are looking into whether they need to change anything in the meantime, provided the conditions worsen.
Tourists Head to Snow-Covered Sites
Travel warnings did not stop tourists, who were flocking to snow-covered mountain destinations, and the resorts recorded an increase in bookings after pictures of fresh snowfall spread widely. Tourism is promising a high early-winter season, but the local authorities are still encouraging cautious driving and avoiding risky roads. Preliminary forecasts suggest that snowfall will persist in upper and mid-hilly areas in the next 24 hours.
Outlook for the Week
According to meteorologists, colder-than-normal weather will be experienced in north India for the week. The lowest temperatures will drop even in the plains as the chilly winds will continue, and winter cycles will be recorded. Another western disturbance is approaching the Himalayan region, which the IMD is keeping a watch on and could result in additional snow and rain over the weekend.
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