The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday predicted cold wave conditions across parts of North India, beginning Sunday, December 29. Severe cold wave conditions are likely in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh, and Rajasthan between December 29 and January 3. Dense to very dense fog is also expected to envelop regions including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Punjab during the same period, as per IMD bulletin.
As the cold wave approaches, the IMD has warned of a significant drop in minimum temperatures across Northwest, Central, and East India in the coming days. Ground frost conditions are expected in parts of Himachal Pradesh, while fog is likely to intensify over several regions.
Delhi Shivers With Highest Single-Day December Rainfall In 101 Years
In Delhi, an overcast and chilly day followed the highest single-day December rainfall in 101 years. The city recorded 41.2 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 am on Saturday, attributed to an active western disturbance and easterly wind interaction. According to IMD records, December 2024 is now the fifth-highest in terms of monthly rainfall since 1901.
According to news agency PTI, an official noted that the highest-ever December rainfall in Delhi occurred on December 3, 1923, with 75.7 mm, while Safdarjung recorded its second-highest 24-hour cumulative rainfall for the month.
The rainfall kept daytime temperatures significantly below normal, with the maximum settling at 15.8 degrees Celsius, 4.6 degrees below the seasonal average. However, the minimum temperature rose to 12.7 degrees Celsius, six notches above normal due to the cloudy conditions. The IMD has forecast very dense fog for Sunday, with maximum and minimum temperatures expected at 17 degrees Celsius and 9 degrees Celsius, respectively.
The rainfall brought a marked improvement in Delhi's air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 135, classified as 'moderate.' This is a significant recovery from Friday’s 'very poor' levels. Four monitoring stations, including Aipur and Lodhi Road, recorded 'satisfactory' AQI levels, while the remaining stations were in the 'moderate' and 'poor' categories.
Kashmir Valley Witnesses Season's Heaviest Snowfall, Flight Ops At Srinagar Airport Suspended
In the Kashmir Valley, the season’s heaviest snowfall threw life out of gear, disrupting air, rail, and road traffic, while power and water supplies were also affected. Srinagar experienced its first snowfall of the season, with southern areas of the valley recording over two feet of snow, PTI reported.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained closed due to heavy snowfall near the Navyug Tunnel. Flight operations at Srinagar Airport were suspended, and train services on the Banihal-Baramulla route were halted due to snow accumulation on tracks.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened a review meeting with district officials to oversee snow clearance operations and assured progress in restoring power and water supplies. He said that out of 41 dysfunctional 33KV feeders, 37 had been restored, with efforts ongoing to address the remaining issues. Abdullah also visited his constituency in Ganderbal to monitor the situation, reviewing hospital services and ensuring essential supplies for residents.
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Rains Batter Punjab, Haryana
Rainfall also lashed parts of Punjab and Haryana for the second consecutive day, causing temperatures to dip sharply. Chandigarh recorded a maximum temperature of 15.1 degrees Celsius, while Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Patiala registered 14.8 degrees, 15.4 degrees, and 15.7 degrees Celsius, respectively. Several cities in both states, including Pathankot and Ambala, reported significant rainfall, keeping daytime temperatures well below normal.