The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted the possibility of rainfall in Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, Delhi NCR, and North Rajasthan on January 22 and 23. According to IMD Scientist Naresh Kumar, the weather changes are due to two western disturbances, which are also expected to bring rain and snowfall to the western Himalayas, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand over the next five days.
The IMD predicts moderate fog in Delhi on Monday, with the maximum and minimum temperatures likely to settle at 24°C and 11°C, respectively. A cold wave is expected in the lower areas of Himachal Pradesh on Friday, bringing further chilly conditions to the region.
Fog and Temperature Forecast
Dense and very dense fog is expected to persist in Punjab, Haryana, North Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh over the next two to three days. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for these regions, warning of visibility reductions between 50 to 200 meters, particularly during early morning hours. However, the temperature in Delhi remains normal, with no cold wave expected in the NCR or North-West India.
A thick blanket of fog enveloped Delhi on Sunday morning, disrupting railway operations. As many as 41 trains originating from various stations in the national capital are running behind schedule due to the foggy conditions. Some of the affected trains include:
- Kir-Asr Express (15707)
- Lichchvi Express (14005)
- Gorkhdham Express (12555)
- Purushottam Express (12801)
- Mahabodhi Express (12397)
Passengers have been advised to check the latest train schedules before embarking on their journeys.
Weather Update from Himachal Pradesh
Minimum temperatures in Himachal Pradesh were recorded three to six degrees above normal, offering relief from the recent severe cold. Notable temperature readings include:
- Tabo: -5.4°C (previously -11.2°C)
- Sundernagar: 9.7°C
- Keylong: -4°C
- Shimla: 8.6°C
- Mandi: 10.1°C
Dhaulakuan was the warmest place in the state with a maximum temperature of 24.5°C, followed by Bilaspur (23.2°C) and Dharamshala (18°C). The Met office has forecast light to moderate snow at a few places on Wednesday and more widespread snowfall on Thursday.
Cold Weather Conditions in Punjab and Haryana
Both Punjab and Haryana continue to experience cold weather with fog covering many areas. Minimum temperatures recorded across various cities are as follows:
- Amritsar: 4.8°C
- Ludhiana: 8.4°C
- Patiala: 9.4°C
- Chandigarh: 8.9°C
- Bathinda: 6.6°C
In Haryana, minimum temperatures were reported as:
- Ambala: 10.4°C
- Faridabad: 10.2°C
- Narnaul: 9.5°C
- Hisar: 9°C
- Sirsa: 8.6°C
People are advised to stay updated with official weather forecasts and take necessary precautions during foggy conditions.
