New Delhi: Delhi witnessed one of the chilliest mornings of the season as the mercury in Pusa dropped to a bone-chilling 3.2°C on Wednesday. The cold wave has added to the winter woes across the city, with the India Meteorological Department extending cold wave warnings for several northern states. The sharp dip in temperatures has gripped the entire northern region of India, affecting Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh alongside Delhi.
Causes for the Extreme Cold
The scientists have ascribed the severe fall in temperatures to a variety of factors. The strengthening northwesterly winds from the snow-covered Himalayas have brought icy air into the plains. Furthermore, clear skies at night have permitted quick heat loss, thereby increasing the cold further.
These are usual winter conditions but have increased because of an extended spell of dry weather.
Even the urban heat island effect, which is responsible for making Delhi a little warmer than its rural counterparts, has also been dampened, because the overall regional weather pattern has been extremely cold.
Impact on Daily Life in Delhi
The sudden plummet in temperature has disrupted normal life within the city. The morning mist has further reduced visibility, rendering travel problematic for commuters. Trains and flights face delays, and reports reveal that conditions are expected to remain as dense fog levels for days to come and will become a significant bother during early morning hours.
Residents are preparing for the cold by piling on woollens, but the chill is a serious danger for the homeless and those who are vulnerable in this city. Authorities have doubled efforts to provide shelters, blankets, and other paraphernalia to minimize the ill effects on those living on the streets.
Cold wave and north India are raising alarm for the farmes as well. IMD issues forecast for the formation of frost, which would kill the standing crops such as wheat, mustard, or vegetables. It advised farmes to irrigate the farms before the formation of destructive frosts.
Prolonged Cold Wave Weather Forecasts
IMD has issued yellow and orange alerts for various northern states, cautioning about intensifying the cold wave in the next few days. Several areas of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab will experience the same sub-zero temperatures. According to guidelines of the IMD, a “cold wave” is declared when the minimum temperature is 4.5°C or more below the normal average for a region. In Pusa, the temperature has plummeted below this level, making it an arduous situation for the people.
The cold wave conditions are expected to continue since there is no short-term forecast of change in the weather. Experts have opined that the harsh winds and low temperatures would continue until a western disturbance brings some respite in the form of increased cloudiness or light rainfall.
Precautionary Measures
Health officials were asking people to take precautions-the most crucial precaution being staying in at the peak hours while keeping warm attire and beverages. Even the schools, and places of work did a great adjustment in moving schedules in their respective centers.
The IMD has also warned drivers to be more vigilant as visibility is poor due to fog.There have been several accidents on the roads in the past few days, which makes it imperative to be watchful.
Conclusion
The freezing temperatures in Delhi and the prolonged cold wave issued by the IMD prove that this winter season is really harsh. While the decline in temperatures is a seasonal phenomenon, its prolonged and intensified effect is creating trouble for residents, farmers, and commuters alike. Given the fact that there would be little immediate relief from the situation, the focus still remains on staying prepared and mitigating the impact of the harsh weather conditions. Authorities are urging residents to stay warm, limit outdoor exposure, and extend help to those in need during this period of extreme cold.
