Bitter Cold Before And Fluffy Snow After New Year Await North India

Mercury has dipped again over northern plains in quick succession, 2^nd time in the last 10days. Night temperatures have ducked to low single digit at many places over Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. National capital succumbed again to cold wave conditions when official observatory recorded a low of 3.4°C today morning. Earlier, the minimum temperature of 3.2°C , the lowest of the  season  so far, was registered on 20^thDec2021.  Bathinda, Hisar and Churu clocked minimum temperature of 2.6°C, 2°C and 2°C respectively, slipping in to cold wave conditions. Patiala scaled low of 3.3°C, the lowest of the season so far. Meerut as usual competed with Delhi to record 3.2°C, the lowest of this season and equaled its earlier mark of 3.2°C on 20^thDec. Karnal in Haryana raced parallel with Meerut to share joint record of 3.2°C.  Manali in Himachal Pradesh and Mukteshwar in Kumaon region recorded lowest temperature of this season, going sub zero with -2.4°C and -1.0°C respectively.

The temperature in the plains will either sustain or drop further to have sharp sting on the new year eve.  There could be a partial cloud cover with thin clouds, but no rain, for the year end celebrations.  Cold wave due to icy winds, with mist and fog in patches will be treacherous even around the curtailed timings of festivities. Few of such locations may end up clocking lowest mercury levels of this season so far.

New year is expected to commence on a wet note for North India, albeit in a staggered manner. A trail of western disturbance will keep the chill ‘on’ for the mountains  lasting for over one week at a stretch. Between 01^st and 04^th Jan2022, mid and higher reaches will experience light weather activity with a possibility of ‘hit and miss’ snow even at attractive tourist destinations. The activity will spread its wings to cover plains of  north along with hills and also become rather intense to receive snow coating at most tourist destinations of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand , between 05^th and 08^th Jan, with a clear spike on 06^th and 07^th Jan.  Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh will witness torrents of rain, more intense for northern parts of Punjab, Haryana and north  Rajasthan on 06^th and 07^thJan 2022. Wide spread and dense winter fog has given amiss so far for the northern plains. It is likely to make a comeback on conclusion of 1^st wet spell of the new year.