North India is shivering under a severe cold wave, prompting the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for four states and an orange alert for three others. The icy grip has also disrupted travel, with over 119 flights delayed at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.
States on High Alert:
Red alert (January 24): Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh
Orange alert (January 25-27): Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh
Key Points:
Intense cold wave: Minimum temperatures significantly below normal, leading to widespread cold day and severe cold day conditions.
Dense fog: Very dense fog likely to persist over North India for the next four days, impacting visibility and causing travel disruptions.
Flight delays: Over 119 flights delayed at Delhi airport due to fog, affecting thousands of passengers.
Railways: Train schedules also affected, with delays and cancellations possible due to fog and low visibility.
Western Himalayas: Light rainfall or snowfall expected from January 25-28, adding to the challenging weather conditions.
IMD Recommendations:
Warm clothing: Advise people to wear warm clothes and stay indoors as much as possible during peak cold hours.
Precautions: Take necessary precautions against cold-related illnesses and injuries.
Travelers: Check weather updates and flight/train schedules before traveling.
Farmers: Protect crops from frost damage.
Looking Ahead:
Cold wave intensity expected to decrease slightly after January 26, but foggy conditions may persist.
Western Himalayan region likely to see snowfall, potentially impacting travel and infrastructure.
Stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this harsh winter spell.
