A thick blanket of fog has swallowed the vast Indo-Gangetic plains, stretching from Pakistan to West Bengal, plunging North India into an icy grip. Dense to very dense fog shrouds Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, North Rajasthan, North Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and even parts of Bihar and Jharkhand. This relentless mist not only disrupts visibility but also triggers biting cold days, and even severe cold day, conditions across the region.
While minimum temperatures remain surprisingly above normal, day temperatures in Punjab and parts of Haryana have nosedived significantly below average. This stark contrast paints a picture of an unusually chilly North India, where residents shiver despite relatively warmer nights.
Typically, during the second half of December and early January, frigid Himalayan winds descend from snow-laden mountains, causing a sharp dip in minimum temperatures. However, the absence of significant snowfall this winter has prevented this usual phenomenon.
Despite the biting cold, a ray of hope shines through the foggy haze. Forecasters predict that the fog's intensity will start to wane within the next 48 hours. As the sun peeks through the mist, day temperatures are expected to rise, offering some much-needed respite from the ongoing winter chill.
Until then, residents must bundle up, exercise caution while driving in low visibility conditions, and be mindful of the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to cold and fog, especially for vulnerable populations like young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory ailments. While the wait for normalcy might feel long, remember, like the fog, this frosty grip too will eventually loosen, revealing cooler and more comfortable days ahead.
Remember to stay updated on weather forecasts and advisories issued by local authorities and prioritize your health and safety during this icy period.
Image Credit: newindianexpress.com
