weather updateThe IMD on Thursday (January 12) said that the national capital is expected to witness generally cloudy sky and light rain, which may bring respite from the cold wave conditions for a few days.
Nevertheless, cold wave conditions are likely to prevail in isolated parts of Delhi and its neighboring states from January 15 (Sunday), said the India Meteorological Department’s bulletin today.
Even though an existing Western Disturbance and resultant strong winds have significantly improved the foggy conditions over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan and West UP, dense to very dense fog continues over East UP and Bihar.
Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 9.3 degrees Celsius on Thursday (January 12), two notches above normal. According to IMD, the maximum temperature is expected to be around 19 degree Celsius.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 358 (very poor category) at 9 am. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered “good”, 51 and 100 “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 “moderate”, 201 and 300 “poor”, 301 and 400 “very poor”, and 401 and higher. Between 500 is considered “severe”. The IMD bulletin said the relative humidity at 8.30 am was 97 per cent.
Cold wave likely again in northwest India from January 15,
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) scientist, cold wave conditions are likely to re-emerge over northwest India after two days from today with a drop in minimum temperatures and peak around January 15-16.
Talking to the media on the upcoming cold wave conditions in North India, Roy said, “At present, you would have seen that the temperature has increased. This is now due to the Western Disturbance over the Northwest region.”
“We are expecting these Western Disturbances to move eastwards from tomorrow. Hence, after 48 hours the temperature will start falling. Similarly, there is a chance that cold wave will cover entire Northwest India from January 15 and 16 situation will emerge again.” said the IMD scientist.
Roy further said, due to the gradual abatement of winter conditions in India, the temperature is not expected to drop much. “It will drop by three to five degrees. But considering the seasonal increase, we expect isolated cold wave conditions only from the fourth day i.e. January 15 and January 16.”
When asked about the complete respite from the cold wave conditions, Roy said, “At present, there is not much cold wave condition in the areas of northwest India like Punjab, Haryana and northern Rajasthan, but eastern Uttar Pradesh Fog and cold wave conditions prevail in the state.”
“As the Western Disturbance moves eastwards, we expect fog and cold wave conditions to re-emerge, which is likely. But, we are also expecting strong winds, which may reduce the fog conditions “
The latest IMD bulletin has predicted dense to very dense fog in parts of Bihar and dense fog is very likely over Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam and Tripura on Wednesday (January 12). “Severe cold day conditions very likely over isolated parts of Bihar and cold day conditions very likely over isolated parts of East Uttar Pradesh,” the IMD bulletin mentioned.
The IMD has forecast strong winds (speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 55 kmph) over North Arabian Sea and advised fishermen not to venture into the area. The IMD has predicted dense fog in some parts of Bihar and dense fog in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam and Tripura on Thursday (January 13).
It said that cold day conditions are likely to prevail in isolated parts of Bihar on Thursday, while cold wave conditions are likely to prevail in isolated areas in interior Karnataka. According to IMD, strong winds (speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 55 kmph) are very likely over North Arabian Sea on Thursday.
Forecast for January 14:
On 14 January, the IMD predicted dense to very dense fog over parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi; In different areas of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Dense fog is also likely at isolated places over Jammu division, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Odisha while isolated parts of Bihar are likely to experience cold day conditions. In isolated areas over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, the IMD said.
The IMD has also forecast thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and hailstorm at isolated places over Arunachal Pradesh and Northeast Assam on January 14.
Forecast for January 15:
On January 15, the IMD expects dense to very dense fog over parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi; in different parts of Uttar Pradesh. Dense fog is likely in isolated areas of Jammu division, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, North Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, while cold day conditions are likely in isolated parts of Uttar Pradesh on January 15.
The IMD said, “Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions very likely over parts of north Rajasthan and isolated pockets over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and north Madhya Pradesh on January 15.” ” There is a possibility of frost in isolated parts of Uttarakhand, South Haryana and North Rajasthan.
Forecast for January 16:
On 16 January, the IMD also predicted the possibility of dense to very dense fog over parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi; in different parts of Uttar Pradesh. Dense fog at isolated places over Jammu division, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, North Madhya Pradesh and Bihar and cold weather is expected at isolated places over Uttar Pradesh on January 16.
“Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions very likely over parts of North Rajasthan and cold wave conditions at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh and North Madhya Pradesh. There is a possibility of frost in the areas. , South Haryana and North Rajasthan,” the IMD said.
(with inputs from agencies)
Read also: Delhi’s air quality remains in ‘very poor’ category, smog envelops the city; Total AQI is at 312