Several places along the northern plains and Madhya Pradesh observed the coldest night of January so far. Minimums dropped to 3.2°C in Agra and 4°C in Delhi on Tuesday morning.
This could be attributed to a cyclonic circulation in Rajasthan and adjoining Haryana along with a feeble Western Disturbance moving across the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir.
Direction of winds have changed to become predominantly easterly/southeasterly in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and northern parts of Madhya Pradesh. Minimums could rise after the spell of rain by forenoon hours of January 14. However, maximums will see a dip and accentuate the prevailing cold day conditions across the region. Hilly states and North India will receive light rain; heavy snowfall will be confined to the glaciers of Jammu and Kashmir.
Minimums temperatures recorded on Tuesday:
January is the coldest month in India and the winter generally peaks during Lohri and Makar Sankranti. This year as well, people in Delhi, Amritsar, other parts of North India and Uttar Pradesh will have to celebrate the Lohri festival, followed by Makar Sankranti, amidst cold weather and light rain.
Another Western Disturbance will start affecting North India and Uttar Pradesh from January 20. The system could bring the much-awaited snowfall in Srinagar. Plains could also receive good showers. Thereafter, the winter bite will be missing across the plains.
