New Delhi – The India Meteorological Department has issued a critical weather advisory as a severe cold wave grips multiple regions across the country. The IMD cold wave warning on Tuesday alerted residents of northern and central India to prepare for intensified chilly conditions over the coming days.
Comprehensive IMD Cold Wave Warning Coverage
The IMD cold wave warning specifically targets several states experiencing dangerous temperature drops. According to the weather department’s bulletin, cold wave conditions are very likely over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Odisha from January 7 to January 9. This widespread alert reflects the severity of current weather patterns affecting vast geographical areas.
The IMD cold wave warning extends beyond these primary regions to include Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh, all of which will experience similar cold wave conditions throughout the week. This comprehensive coverage demonstrates the extensive impact of the current weather system.
Temperature Conditions Under IMD Cold Wave Warning
The IMD cold wave warning comes as parts of North and Himalayan states already witness chilly conditions with temperatures plummeting to fresh lows across several areas. The weather advisory highlights the urgent need for residents to take necessary precautions against the extreme cold.
In addition to the general cold wave alert, the IMD cold wave warning includes specific “cold day conditions” likely over Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh on January 6 and 7. Delhi, West Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh face similar conditions on January 6, while East Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Sikkim will experience these conditions during January 6-8.
Jharkhand’s Response to IMD Cold Wave Warning
The impact of the IMD cold wave warning is particularly evident in Jharkhand, where mercury dropped below 10 degrees Celsius in 10 districts on Tuesday. Officials reported that Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, and Chatra are among the districts where a ‘yellow’ alert has been issued, with cold wave conditions likely to prevail until January 7.
The severity reflected in the IMD cold wave warning for Jharkhand underscores the need for enhanced preparedness measures across affected districts. Local authorities have been monitoring temperature fluctuations closely to ensure public safety.
West Bengal Records Historic Low
Following the IMD cold wave warning, West Bengal’s capital Kolkata recorded its coldest January day at 10.2 degrees Celsius. This remarkable temperature drop marks a significant weather event for the region. According to weather department forecasts, the chill will intensify across southern West Bengal over the next couple of days.
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Historical data reveals that Kolkata’s minimum temperature in January had dropped below 11 degrees Celsius only once in the last 15 years—in 2023, when it dipped to 10.9 degrees Celsius. This context emphasizes the exceptional nature of the current IMD cold wave warning and its implications for residents.
Dense Fog Compounds Cold Wave Challenges
Accompanying the IMD cold wave warning is an additional alert for dense fog conditions likely to continue during morning hours over northwest, central, east, and northeast India over the next 5-7 days. This dual weather challenge significantly impacts visibility and daily activities across affected regions.
The weather department specifically noted that dense to very dense fog conditions are very likely to prevail in morning hours in some parts over Punjab and Haryana-Chandigarh during January 7-9. Dense fog in isolated pockets is expected for subsequent four days, further complicating travel and outdoor activities.
Regional Breakdown of Affected States
The IMD cold wave warning encompasses a diverse geographical spread affecting millions of residents. Punjab and Haryana remain at the forefront of concerns, with Chandigarh serving as the union territory experiencing simultaneous cold wave and fog conditions.
Rajasthan, divided into its western and eastern regions in the weather advisory, faces varying degrees of cold conditions. Madhya Pradesh, positioned in central India, serves as a crucial junction where cold wave patterns intensify.
Safety Implications and Precautionary Measures
The IMD cold wave warning necessitates immediate attention to safety protocols across affected regions. Vulnerable populations, including elderly citizens, children, and individuals with respiratory conditions, face heightened health risks during such extreme weather events.
Transportation sectors must adapt to reduced visibility caused by dense fog conditions mentioned in the IMD cold wave warning. Morning commuters should exercise extra caution, allow additional travel time, and stay updated on local weather advisories.
Conclusion
The comprehensive IMD cold wave warning serves as a crucial alert for residents across northern and central India. With temperatures dropping to historic lows in several regions and dense fog compounding challenges, the coming days require heightened awareness and preparedness. Authorities continue monitoring conditions closely while residents are urged to follow safety guidelines and minimize exposure to extreme cold.
