Punjab, Haryana and West Uttar Pradesh is reeling under severe cold day conditions for the last 3 days. The day maximum temperatures are hovering about 6-9°C below the normal. Mercury managed to just stay in double digit at most places or could barely lift to stay in low teens in the remaining ones. Envelop of dense to very dense fog coupled with icy winds down the slopes of mountains has restricted the sunshine.
Severe cold day conditions are declared when the minimum temperature is below 10°C and the day maximum temperature drops at least 6.5°C or more below the normal. These conditions have been prevailing over the complete region for the last 3 days, and rather intensified in the past 24hr.
Temperatures amounting to cold day conditions have been recorded in parts of East Uttar Pradesh, North Madhya Pradesh and North Rajasthan also. There could be little respite from the extreme temperatures for the next few days. Fog over most parts is expected to lift in the forenoon hours, resulting in rising in day temperatures by about 2°C.
An active western disturbance is likely to arrive on 21stJan. Also, an induced cyclonic circulation will form over Rajasthan and Haryana. The combined influence of these 2 systems will cause fairly widespread rain and thundershowers over most parts of northern plains on 21st and 22ndJan. The residual effect may be seen on the 3rd day as well, in isolated pockets. Once again, the day temperatures will clamp down during this period. After the passage of the weather system, foggy days will get back again. Cold air in the wake of the system will resume the cold day and cold wave over North India.