The India Meteorogical Department has issued a severe cold wave warning in several states of North and Central India. While conditions remained brisk in the northwestern states, no cold waves were around to freeze night-time residents since the beginning of this week. But now, conditions look to be taking a turn for the cold yet again.
IMD has also forecasted a cold wave over some pockets of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi till Saturday (January 12-13). Additionally, a cold wave to severe cold wave is in the books for Rajasthan till Saturday (January 12-13), deintensifying into a cold wave by Sunday (January 14). Ground frost is a distinct possibility over Uttarakhand and Rajasthan on Friday and Saturday as well.
The IMD issues a cold day warning when the minimum temperature is below 10°C and the maximum temperature drops below the normal by 4.5°C to 6.4°C. A severe cold day warning is issued when this drop exceeds 6.4°C. Similarly, a cold wave warning is issued when a plains' minimum temperature falls below 4°C, and a severe cold wave is when it drops below 2°C.
Many northwestern states have been enduring heavy levels of fog, and this trend will continue. IMD forecasts that dense to very dense fog will engulf Uttar Pradesh till Saturday, and Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi till Tuesday. Dense fog is also a possibility over Jammu, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand till tomorrow, and Uttar Pradesh from Sunday to Tuesday (January 14-16).
In lieu of these predictions, IMD has issued an orange alert over Rajasthan, Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh on Friday. Only Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana and Delhi will retain the alert by Saturday.
According to the weather Department, a severe cold wave alert signifies a significant threat to life or property. The weather bureau warns against hanging out in the chilly air for too long. Instead of bundling up in a heavy coat, wear layers of loose, light wool clothes. Keep your head, neck, hands, and feet covered, as that's where most heat escapes from your body. To avoid accidents, it is advised for the drivers to drive slowly and keep their vehicles’ fog lights on.