Cold Wave To Abate From Plains Of North India: Cold Day Likely To Come Up
Key Takeaways
- Cold wave has eased slightly in the last 24 hours.
- Night temperatures have risen at most places except a few pockets.
- Two western disturbances will affect North India from mid-week.
- Cold wave may reduce but cold day conditions are likely.
Northern plains were reeling under cold wave conditions almost non-stop for the last one week or so. There has been some relief over the past 24 hours. With fog lifting during the early hours of the day, the maximum temperatures have risen to low and mid-20s across the board. The minimum temperatures have also eased out, except at a few places. Amritsar and Ludhiana have recorded minimum temperatures of 2.9°C and 4.6°C this morning, and both are about 1°C below normal. Otherwise, the minimum temperatures over the core areas have improved significantly. Earlier, Sikar (Rajasthan) and Hisar (Haryana) had literally plunged to freezing levels. The two locations had recorded lows of 1.1°C and 0.4°C respectively. Even Churu, the coldest place in Rajasthan, registered a minimum of 0.4°C. The airport observatory of the national capital, Palam, recorded the highest minimum of this month so far at 9.7°C.
A pair of western disturbances is likely to move across the northern region in quick succession. The onslaught on the weather front will be led by the mountains, and its ripple effect will impact the plains as well. From mid-week onwards, the change will be visible and manifested as winter rains in the plains and a prolonged bout of snowfall in the mountains.
The wind stream will change direction and speed over Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and adjoining parts. The moist and warmer winds will raise mercury levels at night and in the early morning, providing respite from extreme cold wave conditions. However, persistent clouds in the plains will lead to a dip in day temperatures, triggering cold day conditions. A common man gets impacted more on account of such conditions, as exposure to rough weather happens mostly during activity hours. Bad weather, if any, sometimes even goes unfelt during the night hours. Notwithstanding, any distinct relief from cold weather is unlikely in the immediate period ahead. Yes, typical cold wave may abate, but not without making way for cold day conditions.
