Chandigarh, January 5, 2025 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau): The entire nation is currently gripped by severe cold and dense fog. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), there seems to be no immediate relief in sight. Northern India is particularly affected by cold waves, dense fog, and freezing temperatures due to snowfall in the mountains and strong western winds. The next 24 hours are also expected to be critical, with rain predicted in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. Light showers continue in southern India as well.
IMD has issued another alert, stating that thunderstorms and rain are expected in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Uttarakhand on January 5 and 6. Rain is also likely in Delhi NCR and other plains over the next 24 hours. This rainy spell, starting on Monday, may last until January 10.
In Delhi, the minimum temperature has dropped below 4°C, while the maximum temperature remains between 15-17°C. The city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) has been recorded at 318, indicating poor air quality.
Temperature Update for the Past 24 Hours
IMD reports that minimum temperatures in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh ranged between 0-5°C, Himachal Pradesh saw 0-5°C, and many parts of northwestern India recorded 6-10°C. Central, eastern, and western India reported minimum temperatures of 10-14°C. Mandla in eastern Madhya Pradesh recorded the lowest temperature at 5°C among plains. In Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, western Uttar Pradesh, western Rajasthan, western Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi, minimum temperatures hovered between 3-5°C.
Weather experts predict a change in conditions starting the afternoon of January 5. Light rain is expected to continue intermittently from the afternoon of January 5 until noon on January 6. Dense fog had already blanketed Chandigarh since Friday night, persisting until late Saturday morning. However, some relief was felt as sunshine broke through later in the day, offering respite from the biting cold.