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Most parts of the state experienced biting cold westerly winds along with dense fog, and a significant drop in daytime temperatures was recorded. In many districts, the daytime temperature plummeted well below normal, increasing the chill and biting cold. People had to resort to bonfires even during the day.
Dense fog alert in 20 districts
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh is experiencing a double whammy of dense fog and a severe cold wave. The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for extremely dense fog in 20 districts of the state. A warning of a potential cold day has also been issued for these areas. It is expected that similar weather conditions will prevail in the state until December 20th.
On Wednesday, visibility was zero in Lucknow, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, and Kanpur due to dense fog. In Bahraich, Hardoi, Shahjahanpur, and other areas, visibility was reduced to 30 meters. The maximum temperature dropped by 5 to 6 degrees Celsius in many parts of the state, and by 8 to 10 degrees Celsius in some places.
Most parts of the state experienced biting cold westerly winds along with dense fog, and a significant drop in daytime temperatures was recorded. In many districts, the daytime temperature plummeted well below normal, increasing the chill and biting cold. People had to resort to bonfires even during the day.
Atul Kumar Singh, a senior scientist at the Regional Meteorological Centre, Lucknow, said that an anti-cyclone over West and Central India and the influence of upper air currents have caused fog in several districts of Uttar Pradesh. The formation of an inversion layer in the lower atmosphere resulted in low visibility for most of the day. Similar weather conditions are expected to continue until December 20th.
These districts are under a red alert for extremely dense fog and a cold day warning:
Gorakhpur, Deoria, Sant Kabir Nagar, Basti, Kushinagar, Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, Gonda, Balrampur, Shravasti, Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, Barabanki, Bijnor, Moradabad, Rampur, Bareilly, Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur. CM directs officials to remain alert in the field due to fog and cold weather
Following the Yamuna Expressway accident in Mathura, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed the administration to remain fully vigilant regarding fog and cold weather. He told Divisional Commissioners, IGs, District Magistrates, police, traffic, and municipal officials that any negligence in ensuring the safety of the public, traffic, and the homeless will not be tolerated.
In a high-level meeting on Wednesday, the CM directed officials to increase patrolling on highways and expressways, maintain extra vigilance at black spots, ensure the availability of cranes and ambulances 24 hours a day, and issue fog warnings through loudspeakers at toll plazas. He said that arrangements should be made in coordination with the National Highways Authority and State Highway officials. Strict action has been ordered against overspeeding, and better traffic management is to be ensured in conditions of poor visibility. He instructed that no one should sleep in the open. The homeless should be taken to night shelters, and arrangements for heaters, bonfires, and blankets should be made. Complete arrangements should also be made to protect cattle from the cold in cow shelters.
Travel Guidelines Issued
Maintain slow speed in fog, use fog lights and low beam headlights, maintain distance from other vehicles, avoid overtaking and frequent lane changes, and do not risk traveling in dense fog.
Temperature in the capital drops by 7.6 degrees in 48 hours
On Wednesday, the capital witnessed the densest fog of the season for the first time. The sun was not visible in the morning. Even in the afternoon, the dense fog kept the sun's warmth at bay. The biting westerly winds forced people to shiver throughout the day. As a result, the maximum temperature has dropped by 7.6 degrees Celsius in the last 48 hours.
On Wednesday, the cold was so intense due to the chilly winds that people had to resort to bonfires, heaters, or blowers even during the day. The biting cold intensified in the late evening and night. The Meteorological Department says that the cold wave will continue to grip Lucknow on Friday as well.
Senior scientist Atul Kumar Singh of the Regional Meteorological Centre said that the anti-cyclone over West and Central India and the upper air circulation are causing dense fog in Lucknow. The cold wave and fog are expected to persist until December 20th.
On Wednesday, the maximum temperature dropped by 2.1 degrees Celsius to 17 degrees Celsius, which was 6 degrees below normal. The minimum temperature was recorded at 10 degrees Celsius, a drop of 0.4 degrees. Further drops in the minimum temperature are also expected in the coming days.
Capital's Air Quality Dominates Social Media
On Wednesday, information related to Lucknow's air quality dominated various social media platforms. Many social media posts discussed the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the capital reaching close to 400, although this was not officially confirmed. The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board stated that the average AQI in Lucknow on Wednesday was recorded at 174. An AQI of 400 was not recorded anywhere.
In view of the increasing cold wave in Lucknow, classes for grades 1 to 12 in all recognized board-affiliated schools will now begin only after 9 AM. District Magistrate Vishakh G. issued this order. This order has been issued prioritizing the safety of students in light of the Meteorological Department's forecast. The District Magistrate has given clear instructions to ensure strict compliance with this order.
School Timings Changed in Several Districts
Besides Lucknow, school timings have been changed in Raebareli and Sultanpur. Classes will now be held between 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM in these districts. The timings had already been changed in Sitapur. Meanwhile, a holiday has been declared in Bareilly until Saturday.
Holiday in Bareilly until December 20th
In Bareilly, there is some relief for school children amidst the biting cold and dense fog. Considering the severity of the cold and fog, a holiday has been declared for all schools from classes 1 to 8 until December 20th. The order for the holiday was issued on Wednesday by Basic Education Officer Dr. Vineeta, on the instructions of District Magistrate Avinash Singh.
According to the issued order, due to the extreme cold and fog, all schools up to class 8 in the district will remain closed until December 20th. Action will be taken against any school found open during this period. The order also states that if any school has already scheduled examinations, the examinations will be held as planned.
School Timings Changed in Ambedkarnagar Due to Cold Wave
Considering the continuous cold wave and dense fog in the district, the district administration has changed the school timings in the interest of the safety and health of the students. According to the order issued by District Magistrate Anupam Shukla, all government, aided, and recognized schools from nursery to class 12 will now operate from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This order will be applicable to schools of all boards.
Timings Changed in Sultanpur
Due to the severe cold and cold wave, the timings of all schools from classes 1 to 8 have been changed. Schools will now operate from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The order was issued by Basic Education Officer Upendra Gupta on the instructions of District Magistrate Kumar Harsh.
