Severe Cold Wave to Intensify on Friday: Snowfall Likely in Jammu and Kashmir as Temperatures Drop Below 0°C
Severe cold wave set to intensify on Friday as snowfall is likely across Jammu and Kashmir, IMD warns
Northern and central India are currently shivering under intense winter conditions, with a severe cold wave expected to persist for the next two days before starting to abate.
Devendra Tripathi, the founder of Mausam Tak and a weather vlogger for Kisan Tak, notes that “the cold wave condition can tighten its grip in many places, particularly across North and Western Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi”.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) corroborates this, stating that these conditions are very likely to continue over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, West Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
In the plains, Hisar in Haryana recorded a bone-chilling minimum temperature of 0.2 degrees Celsius.
The IMD has also warned of “cold day to severe cold day conditions” in pockets of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh on January 16. These conditions are expected to bring an increased likelihood of illnesses like flu or nosebleeds due to prolonged exposure to the chill.
Commuters should brace for significant travel disruptions as “dense to very dense fog conditions” are predicted for northwest India and Bihar over the next five days. Specifically, on January 16, this thick blanket is expected over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
The IMD suggests using fog lights and staying in touch with airlines or railways as visibility could drop below 50 metres.
A fresh Western Disturbance is also making its presence felt.
Devendra explains that on January 16, “there are chances of snowfall in some mountainous areas” of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand as cloud cover increases.
The IMD forecasts light to moderate scattered rainfall or snowfall for these regions starting January 16.
Southern India remains largely unaffected by the northern chill.
Devendra highlights that “in the south, mainly clear and dry weather will be there,” including cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
The IMD also notes that conditions are becoming favourable for the cessation of Northeast monsoon rains in these southern regions within the next two days.
Freezing winds from the Himalayas are flowing into the city and getting stuck at ground level. Normally, this air would rise and warm up, but a layer of warmer air is sitting on top of it like a heavy blanket.
This traps the cold and the smog down where we breathe, turning the capital into a literal ice box.
A severe cold wave is set to tighten its grip across northern India on Friday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of a further drop in temperatures and fresh snowfall in parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The weather department has issued alerts for several regions, cautioning residents to brace for harsh winter conditions over the next few days.
According to IMD forecasts, the cold wave conditions that have already brought biting cold and freezing nights to the region are expected to intensify, particularly in the Kashmir Valley and higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir. The combination of icy winds, low visibility, and possible snowfall is likely to disrupt daily life, travel, and essential services.
Meteorologists have predicted fresh snowfall in higher altitude areas, including parts of north and central Kashmir, as well as mountainous regions of Jammu. Popular hill destinations and border areas may witness light to moderate snowfall, while isolated locations could experience heavier spells.
Lower-lying areas are expected to see cloudy skies and cold, dry conditions, with a possibility of light rain or sleet in some pockets. Officials have advised tourists and commuters to remain cautious, especially while travelling on mountain roads that are prone to snow accumulation and black ice.
Minimum temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir are likely to fall sharply as the cold wave peaks on Friday. Several areas in the Kashmir Valley have already recorded sub-zero temperatures, and the mercury is expected to drop further during night hours.
In some places, temperatures could plunge several degrees below normal, increasing the risk of frost and cold-related health issues. Daytime temperatures are also expected to remain low due to dense cloud cover and reduced sunlight.
The intensifying cold wave is expected to affect normal life across the region. Schools in some districts may consider adjusting schedules, while early morning and late-night travel could become challenging due to icy roads and poor visibility.
Authorities have issued advisories urging people to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in snowfall-prone areas. Farmers have also been advised to take precautions to protect crops and livestock from extreme cold.
Cold wave conditions often lead to increased demand for electricity and heating, which can strain power supply systems. In addition, freezing temperatures may cause water pipelines to freeze in certain areas, leading to temporary disruptions.
Local administrations have been instructed to remain prepared to handle emergencies, including restoring power, clearing snow from roads, and ensuring access to essential services.
The IMD has advised residents to wear adequate warm clothing, avoid prolonged exposure to cold, and take special care of children and the elderly. People suffering from respiratory or heart-related ailments have been urged to remain indoors during extreme cold spells.
Motorists are advised to drive carefully, maintain safe distances, and carry necessary emergency supplies when travelling through cold-affected regions.
Weather experts say that cold wave conditions may persist for the next few days, although slight improvement is expected once western disturbance effects weaken. However, nights are likely to remain cold even after daytime temperatures show marginal recovery.
The situation will continue to be closely monitored by the IMD, with further updates and warnings to be issued as needed.
