Weather update: Severe winter grips North India on New Year’s day as cold wave intensifies, snowfall expected in hill states

North India saw a sharp drop in temperature on New Year's Day, leaving several regions shivering under a cold wave. From Delhi to Jammu and Kashmir, the biting chill continues to disrupt the daily lives of locals.

New Delhi: North India is experiencing an intense cold wave as temperatures continue to fall on New Year’s Day. In Delhi, the minimum temperature recorded 7 degree Celsius on Wednesday morning, accompanied with a light fog across various areas. On Tuesday, the capital recorded a slightly higher temperature of 10.2 degree Celsius at 8:30 am.

To provide shelters to the homeless, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has established 235 temporary shelters, including pagoda tents at several key locations of the national capital like AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and Nizamuddin flyover. Many residents of Delhi were seen gathering around bonfires and taking shelter in night homes as the temperature drops.

Temperature drop in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh

The relentless chill shows no signs of easing, as the cold weather conditions persists and blankets the region in its icy grip. In Rajasthan, the significant temperature drop is severely affecting the life of the residents by impacting daily routines. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Jaipur recorded a temperature of 7.2 degree Celsius at 8:30 am, while Bikaner and Churu recorded lows of 7 degree Celsius and 6 degree Celsius, respectively. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh also faced a sharp drop in temperatures, with Ayodhya shrouded in fog and cities like Meerut and Lucknow recording temperatures of 9 degree Celsius and 10  degree Celsius, respectively.

Freezing conditions in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is enduring even harsher conditions, with several regions plummeting below zero temperatures. According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), at 8:30 am, Srinagar recorded the temperature at -1.5 degree Celsius, Gulmarg at -2.4 degree Celsius, Banihal at 0.4 degree celsius, Kupwara at 0.4 degrees Celsius, and Pahalgam at -6 degree Celsius, leading to the freezing of Dal Lake’s surface.

Religious celebrations amidst cold weather 

Despite the biting cold, people across the country flocked to religious places to celebrate the New Year. In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Ayodhya, Haridwar, Mathura, Ajmer, Tirupati, Varanasi, Chennai and Guwahati, worshippers gathered in large numbers at temples and churches, starting the day with prayers and rituals. In Delhi, the Pracheen Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place and the Jhandewalan temple witnessed devotees enduring the cold weather, to take part in morning ‘aarti.’

(with inputs from agencies)