New Delhi: A severe cold wave swept across North India on Sunday, with temperatures plunging to as low as 1°C in some regions. Punjab’s Faridkot recorded the lowest at 1°C, while Haryana’s Hisar followed at 1.7°C. In the national capital, Delhi residents woke up to a frigid morning as Safdarjung reported 4.9°C, marking a sharp 3-degree drop in 24 hours. Palam recorded a slightly higher 6.2°C.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cold wave conditions will persist in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir from December 15 to 19. Rajasthan will experience similar weather from December 17 to 20.
Dense fog is likely to blanket Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Northeast India on December 16 and 17, reducing visibility. Ground frost is also expected to impact isolated pockets of Madhya Pradesh on December 15, adding to the chill.
Cold wave conditions prevailed in Punjab and Haryana, with Gurdaspur and Bathinda in Punjab recording minimum temperatures of 2°C and 4.6°C, respectively. Similarly, Haryana’s Narnaul shivered at 3°C. Adampur IAF in Punjab emerged as the coldest spot, registering 1.3°C.
Eastern and Western regions also reported cooler weather, with temperatures ranging between 8°C and 14°C. While most areas saw a 1-2°C dip, West Uttar Pradesh and parts of Saurashtra noted slight increases.
The biting cold was most pronounced in Northwest and Central India, where minimum temperatures remained significantly below normal for this time of year. In stark contrast, the Southern Peninsula experienced near-average temperatures.
Cold day conditions are also expected in West Madhya Pradesh on December 15 and may persist in isolated areas on December 16, the IMD said. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions as the chill intensifies across the region.