North India is witnessing intense winter conditions as heavy snowfall continues across Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, covering hill regions in thick snow. Cold winds from the mountains have intensified the cold wave in plains, including Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
Snow Blankets Kashmir and Himachal as Severe Cold Wave Grips North India
New Delhi: Winter has once again begun to show its fierce form in North India. Heavy snowfall over the past two days has blanketed the mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh with a thick blanket of snow. Record-breaking snowfall has been recorded in the Kotranka-Budhal region of the Pir Panjal mountain range. Locals say this is the first time such heavy snowfall has occurred in 25 years.
The Kashmir Valley continues to experience severe cold. Gulmarg recorded a minimum temperature of minus 10.2 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest in the region. The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained closed for two days due to continuous snowfall, but was reopened for small vehicles on Sunday, providing relief to travelers.
Heavy snowfall has also disrupted life in Himachal Pradesh. A total of 835 roads, including three national highways, are closed in the state. A thick layer of snow has accumulated in Manali, Mandi, Una, and surrounding areas. Roads were closed for up to 8 kilometers in many places. Tourists traveling to Manali had to abandon their vehicles and trek through the snow.
Icy winds blowing from the mountains have intensified the cold wave in the plains. A sharp drop in minimum temperatures was recorded in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Fatehpur, Rajasthan, recorded the lowest temperature of the season, reaching minus 2.7 degrees Celsius.
Despite sunny skies across Delhi-NCR, strong winds brought a biting cold. The minimum temperature in the capital Delhi was recorded at 6.6 degrees Celsius, nearly 1 degree below normal. Noida recorded a minimum temperature of 0.2 degrees Celsius, while Faridabad and Gurugram recorded 5.3 degrees Celsius. Dense morning fog also affected some flights, with several Akasa Air flights being cancelled or delayed.
According to the Meteorological Department, a western disturbance will become active from Monday, due to which a cold wave is likely to continue in northwest India until January 30. People have been advised to remain vigilant to protect themselves from the cold.
