Coldwave conditions have been prevailing over the plains of Northwest India including Rajasthan, West Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Madhya Pradesh. Minimum temperatures have been recorded below 5 degrees in many places.
These conditions can be attributed to the dry and chilly north-westerly winds, which are responsible for resulting in a drop in temperatures. For the next 24 hours, the weather is likely to remain the same. Some places may witness a further drop in minimums as well.
Due to the reduction in the minimum temperatures and clear sky conditions, Northwest Plains and parts of Central India particularly Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh may observe frost. These frost conditions are actually harmful to the crops. The best way to protect the crops is to irrigate them as when there is water in the field, frost is unlikely.
Rise in Temperatures after 24 hours
However, there will be an abatement of coldwave conditions after 24 hours and temperatures will witness a rise. This increase in temperatures can be attributed to the approach of a fresh Western Disturbance which will affect the hills of North India from December 22.
Winds will also change their direction from northwesterly to southeasterly or southwesterly. This change in the wind direction will increase the humidity levels. Due to reduced wind speed, moderate to dense fog will also be observed over Delhi and other parts of Northwest India.
Pollution to increase in Delhi
Also, Delhi, which was observing less polluted days, will again see a rise in pollution levels. Due to increase in foggy conditions, the pollutants will get trapped in the fog. Thus, due to the absence of any strong winds, smog will persist in Delhi on December 22 and 23.
By December 24, the Western Disturbance will move away and restore the normal flow of dry northwesterly winds. Thus, after December 24, pollution levels may once again go down in Delhi and the NCR region.
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