The temperature dropped precipitously across North India on Sunday because of the ongoing cold wave with Jammu and Kashmir being the worst hit.
The minimum temperature in Srinagar was minus 4 degree Celsius while it was minus 9 degree Celsius in Pahalgam and minus 7 degree Celsius in Gulmarg, the India Meteorological Department said. The city of Jammu woke up a chilly morning with a temperature of 5.1 degree Celsius – the lowest this season – on Sunday.
The state is likely to experience similar temperatures over the next 48 hours, Hindustan Times quoted unidentified officials as saying. Nights may be even colder as the temperature will drop further due to a clear sky.
Meanwhile, at least 19 trains were delayed, two were rescheduled and eight were cancelled in Delhi because of low visibility, PTI reported. The Capital also shivered with a minimum temperature of 7 degrees Celsius and a maximum temperature of 22 degree Celsius.
Weather monitoring agency Skymet Weather said that the intense cold will prevail over Delhi and adjoining areas the next few days as winds are blowing across the northwestern plains. The cold winds are because of the active Western Disturbance, a storm originating in the Mediterranean region that brings sudden winter rain to the northwestern parts of the subcontinent.
Visibility will continue to be low in the Indo-Gangetic plains, Northwest India and the northeastern part of the country since the dry and cold air mass prevailing in these regions lead to fog, Skymet Weather added. Dense to moderate fog will form late at night and early morning hours for the next two to three days.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!