Cold wave tightens grip over North and Central India as mercury set to slide further

Delhi is expected to see a noticeable return of winter’s bite

• Cold wave and dense fog expected in north and central India from Sunday
• Hill states to see fresh rain, snowfall, and possible hailstorms
• Southern India to get rain, thunderstorms, and lightning

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A change in atmospheric conditions is expected to usher in harsher winter weather across large parts of north India from Sunday, as cold north-westerly winds begin sweeping through the plains. The shift follows several days of rain and snowfall triggered by a western disturbance that is now moving away.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), “the western disturbance that triggered widespread rain and snowfall has begun moving away.” In its wake, cold air from snow-covered Himalayan regions is likely to descend into lower altitudes, resulting in a sharp fall in minimum temperatures and a return of biting cold conditions.

Fog and cold wave alerts in northern states

The IMD has warned that visibility may deteriorate across several northern states as fog makes a comeback. “Dense to very dense fog is likely during night and early morning hours over parts of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh,” the weather office said.

Foggy conditions are also expected in isolated areas of Himachal Pradesh, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim and Madhya Pradesh. Alongside this, cold wave conditions are likely in pockets of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Rajasthan, intensifying the winter chill.

Central India to feel the chill too

The impact of the cold spell is not limited to northern India. Central India is also likely to see a drop in temperatures over the coming days. The IMD has forecast a fall of two to four degrees Celsius in many parts, indicating that colder-than-usual conditions could extend deeper into the country.

Fresh rain and snowfall in hill states

Even as cold winds strengthen, another round of precipitation is on the horizon for the Himalayan region. The IMD has indicated the likelihood of “scattered to fairly widespread rainfall and snowfall, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds,” across Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Some of these areas may witness isolated heavy rain or snowfall, while adjoining plains of northwest India and Madhya Pradesh could receive light to moderate rain along with strong winds. The forecast also mentions a possibility of isolated hailstorm activity in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Southern states continue with wet pattern

In contrast to the wintry conditions in the north, parts of southern India are expected to remain under the influence of rainfall and thunderstorms. The IMD has forecast light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, with isolated heavy rainfall possible.

Kerala and Mahe are also likely to experience thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning, keeping unsettled weather in place across the southern region.

Delhi braces for foggy, colder nights

The national capital is expected to see a noticeable return of winter’s bite. With cold wave conditions re-emerging after recent rainfall, Delhi may experience partly cloudy skies along with shallow to moderate fog during early morning hours.

Minimum temperatures in the city are likely to remain between 4 and 6 degrees Celsius. While the recent rain has improved air quality, the moisture in the air could make the cold feel more severe, prompting residents to brace for chilly and foggy mornings in the days ahead.