Cold Day: As winter tightens its grip, North India finds itself in the clutches of an intense cold spell. Minimum temperatures have plummeted, creating a frosty atmosphere across several states. The intricate dance of weather systems, particularly the Jet Stream Winds, plays a pivotal role in shaping these bone-chilling conditions.
Jet Stream Winds and Cold Wave Conditions:
Jet Stream Winds, reaching speeds of 140-160 knots at 12.6 km above sea level, are prevailing over the plains of North India. This phenomenon leads to the subsidence of cold air, intensifying cold waves, and cold day conditions. The forecast indicates a continuation of similar Jet Stream intensity for the next 5 days, maintaining the grip of winter across the region.
Precipitation on the Horizon:
The forecast brings a glimmer of relief for higher reaches, with expectations of light rainfall/snowfall in Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-GilgitBaltistan-Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand on January 17th. Additionally, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal & Sikkim, and Northeast India are anticipated to witness light to moderate rainfall from January 17th to 18th. Sikkim might experience isolated hailstorms on January 17th.
Dense Fog and Cold Day Warnings:
Dense to very dense fog conditions are expected to prevail over many parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh from January 17th late night to the 20th morning, with isolated pockets on the 21st & 22nd of January. Similar conditions are foreseen in West Uttar Pradesh, East Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Various other regions, including Rajasthan, north Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh, Gangetic West Bengal, and Odisha, are also likely to experience fog during specific time frames.
Cold Day to Severe Cold Day Conditions:
Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh, and parts of West Uttar Pradesh are expected to witness cold day to severe cold day conditions from January 17th to 21st. Isolated pockets of East Uttar Pradesh, northwest Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Rajasthan will also experience cold day conditions during this period.
Minimum Temperature Forecast and Cold Wave Warning:
A marginal rise in minimum temperatures is expected over Northwest India and East India during the next two days. No significant changes are anticipated in the rest of the country over the next 5 days. Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are likely to persist in many/some parts of Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh until January 21st, along with isolated pockets in Himachal Pradesh, West Uttar Pradesh, and north Rajasthan.
As North India battles the frigid temperatures, residents are urged to take necessary precautions, and travelers should stay informed about weather updates to ensure a safe and comfortable experience during this chilly spell.
Source: India Meteorological Department
