India Weather Live Updates 10-01-2025: Chillai Kalan Freezes Dal Lake in Kashmir, Trains Delayed Due to Dense Fog
Delhi faces pollution challenges, missing NCAP targets, prompting CAQM to impose restrictions. Dense fog disrupts rail services, delaying 26 trains.
Background
Srinagar's Dal Lake has frozen as temperatures dip below zero degrees, marking the start of 'Chillai Kalan,' Kashmir's harshest 40-day winter period. Intense cold and heavy snowfall are causing disruptions, but the freeze also signals prosperity and bumper crop prospects for apple farmers in the region.
According to the IMD, a western disturbance as a cyclonic circulation lies over southwest Iran and its surrounding areas in the lower and middle tropospheric levels. This system is expected to bring light to moderate scattered rainfall across the plains of northwest India from January 10-12. Thunderstorm conditions are likely in isolated areas of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh on January 11, with the possibility of an isolated hailstorm in south Haryana on the same day. Minimum temperatures were reported between 1-4 degrees Celsius in isolated areas of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, and between 5-10 degrees Celsius across many parts of the northwest.
Severe Cold and Dense Fog in Punjab and Haryana
Cold to severe cold conditions were observed in isolated pockets of Punjab and Haryana on Thursday. Dense fog with visibility below 50 meters was reported in Punjab, while zero visibility affected Amritsar and Pathankot. Visibility was also significantly reduced in parts of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, affecting travel.
Delhi Misses Pollution Reduction Targets
Delhi failed to meet its NCAP target to reduce PM10 levels by 20-30% by 2023, achieving only a 12% reduction by 2024. In response, the CAQM imposed construction bans and vehicle restrictions under Stage III of GRAP in Delhi and neighboring regions.
Dense Fog Disrupts Travel in Delhi
Dense fog severely disrupted travel in Delhi, delaying 26 trains and over 100 flights. The Delhi airport implemented CAT III operations for compliant flights, while passengers were advised to check flight statuses and allow extra time for travel due to reduced visibility.
Air Quality in Delhi Worsens
Delhi's air quality deteriorated sharply, falling into the 'severe' category with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 409 at 7 am, compared to 299 the previous day. The 'severe' category indicates hazardous air conditions that pose health risks to residents. To combat the cold weather, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) set up 235 pagoda tents across the city to accommodate the homeless, with shelters located at multiple sites, including AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and under the Nizamuddin flyover.
Severe Cold Wave Grips Northern and Central India, Rain Expected in Uttar Pradesh
Northern and central India, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh, are experiencing severe cold wave conditions, with temperatures dropping below 5°C in many areas. Uttar Pradesh faces the most extensive cold snap, with temperatures in cities like Kanpur, Lucknow, and Prayagraj significantly below normal. Mandla in Madhya Pradesh recorded 3.5°C, and Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh recorded 4.3°C. A respite is expected over the weekend as rain and thundershowers are forecasted for parts of Uttar Pradesh on 11th and 12th January 2025 due to an induced cyclonic circulation.
Dense Fog Disrupts Delhi, Rain and Thundershowers Expected Tomorrow
Thick fog enveloped Delhi, reducing visibility at Palam airport to zero, causing flight cancellations and traffic delays. Rain and thundershowers are expected tomorrow as weather systems over North India influence the region, with a subsequent rise in minimum temperature.
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