Chilling Winds and Persistent Fog: Weather Update on Republic Day
Cold weather conditions continue to grip several parts of India, with Rajasthan and Delhi-NCR experiencing biting winds and low temperatures. Meanwhile, the Kashmir Valley is seeing a sharp dip in nighttime temperatures, and Telangana is under the shadow of foggy conditions. Here’s an in-depth look at the current weather across key regions on Republic Day.
Cold Wave Tightens Grip Over Rajasthan
Rajasthan remains under the firm grasp of winter, with icy winds sweeping across the state. In the last 24 hours, Nagaur recorded a minimum temperature of 3°C, one of the lowest in the region. Other districts also reported shivering cold conditions, with temperatures dropping to:
- Fatehpur: 3.3°C
- Sikar: 3.5°C
- Churu: 4.4°C
- Pilani: 6°C
- Alwar: 7°C
- Ajmer: 7.5°C
- Ganganagar: 7.8°C
The state capital, Jaipur, experienced a maximum temperature of 24°C and a minimum of 11.7°C, slightly warmer than other regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that Rajasthan will remain dry and relatively stable over the next week, although light clouds may appear in isolated areas.
Delhi-NCR: Fog and Chilly Winds on Republic Day Morning
Delhi-NCR woke up to a foggy morning on Republic Day, making commuting challenging for residents. However, the skies are expected to clear by midday, with the IMD forecasting sunny weather. Despite the sun, cold winds with speeds of up to 10 km/h may cause discomfort.
The national capital’s temperatures are projected to hover between:
- Maximum: 22-24°C
- Minimum: 6-8°C
On Saturday, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 8.6°C, which is a degree above normal for this time of year. Enthusiastic citizens braved the chill to celebrate the day, but warm clothing remains essential to combat the cold winds.
Kashmir Valley Sees a Drop in Nighttime Temperatures
The Kashmir Valley has witnessed a significant drop in minimum temperatures, leading to an increase in nighttime chill. On Republic Day, the weather during the day remained pleasant, but the mercury dipped sharply during the night, reaching -4.1°C in Srinagar, which is 1.8°C below normal.
The IMD has predicted a gradual rise in daytime temperatures over the next four days, but nighttime temperatures may drop further by 1-3°C. By 29th January, a western disturbance is expected to bring rain and snow, with cloudy skies anticipated over the region.
The valley has experienced light snowfalls this winter, with three significant snow events recorded:
- 27th December
- 2nd January
- 4th January
These have been relatively mild compared to previous years, leaving locals yearning for heavier snowfall.
Telangana: Fog Predicted for the Next Three Days
In Telangana, foggy or misty conditions are expected to prevail in several districts over the next three days. Patancheru in Sangareddy district recorded the state’s lowest minimum temperature of 11.2°C. The IMD predicts that nighttime temperatures will remain close to average, while the overall weather in the state will stay dry for the next seven days.
Precautions for Cold and Foggy Conditions
The ongoing weather conditions across India call for caution. Residents are advised to:
- Drive carefully during foggy conditions: Use fog lights and maintain a safe distance on the road.
- Stay warm: Layer clothing to combat cold winds.
- Monitor weather updates: Keep an eye on IMD forecasts for sudden changes, especially in regions expecting snow or rain.
- Protect vulnerable groups: Elderly individuals, children, and those with chronic illnesses should be given extra care during severe cold spells.
