From Delhi showers to Himachal snow: Winter’s chill sweeps North India

On Friday, December 27, Delhi saw lightning and early morning rain, which exacerbated the continuing cold wave in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. Heavy rainfall is expected throughout the morning, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The minimum temperature in the city was 12 degrees Celsius, whereas the highest and minimum temperatures were predicted to be roughly 23 and 8 degrees Celsius, respectively. Meanwhile, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which was 398 and fell into the ‘very poor’ category, continued to be alarming.

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Orange alert in Himachal PradeshThe IMD has issued an orange alert for heavy snow and rainfall across various parts of Himachal Pradesh’s high and mid-hill regions on December 27 and 28. Snowfall from December 23 has left 157 roads blocked across the state. Tabo in the Lahaul and Spiti district reported the coldest temperature at -10.6 degrees Celsius, while Una recorded the day’s highest temperature of 23.6 degrees Celsius.

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Snow and rain forecast for UttarakhandUttarakhand is expected to witness light to moderate rain and snowfall in high-altitude areas on December 27 and 28. Key districts, including Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, and Bageshwar, are likely to experience moderate rainfall. Snowfall is predicted in higher-altitude regions, exacerbating the cold wave in the state. The severe weather is impacting towns such as Dehradun and Joshimath, along with high-altitude valleys in Pithoragarh, including Munsiyari, Byas Valley, Johar Valley, and Darma Valley.

These picturesque areas are blanketed in snow, creating challenging conditions for both residents and tourists. If reports are to go by, the heavy snowfall has isolated remote villages, disrupting transportation and essential services. To guarantee that aid reaches impacted areas and to restore mobility in areas buried by snow, authorities are collaborating closely with local organisations.

Freezing temperatures in Jammu and KashmirOn December 27, temperatures in Jammu and Kashmir dropped as low as -6 degrees Celsius, causing extreme cold. The IMD has forecast a minimum temperature of 8 degrees Celsius and a maximum temperature of 8 degrees Celsius for the day.

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In places like Pithoragarh, Munsiyari, and Byas Valley, snowfall has made disaster management operations more challenging. Despite the breathtaking surroundings, the harsh winter weather presents significant challenges for both locals and visitors. Authorities remain vigilant, focussing on ensuring that affected areas receive the resources they require.