Weather Updates: 25 Dead in UP's Prayagraj, IMD Says 'Intense' Cold Wave Likely from Tomorrow; Flights, Trains Delayed in Delhi

Several domestic and international flights bound from the Delhi airport were delayed on Friday morning, as thick fog engulfed the national capital. The visibility was severely impacted and people were seen waiting around the airport after their scheduled flights got delayed.

The flights that were delayed included Delhi-San Francisco/Kathmandu, Delhi-Chandigarh-Kullu, Delhi-Jaipur, Delhi-Dharamshala-Chandigarh, Delhi-Shimla- Dharamshala, and Delhi-Dehradun.

Meanwhile, fresh snowfall was recorded in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district early morning on Friday. According to the weather department, moderate snowfall during the next two days is likely in the Kinnaur, Chamba, Lahaul -Spiti, Shimla and Kullu districts of the state.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a fresh spell of cold wave in northwest India next week would see mercury dropping by three to five degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, chilly conditions abated slightly in many states providing relief to people in parts of northwest India.

Here are key weather updates you need to know:

• Western disturbance and consequent stronger surface winds have significantly improved fog conditions over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh.
• At least 25 people have died in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj due to heart attack, reports of which have been fairly frequent since intense cold wave and fog engulfed the state. According to hospital officials, cases of heart attack have grown by 25-30% since the cold wave commenced.
• With the cold wave prevailing over North India, government hospitals in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow are witnessing a surge in patients with respiratory problems. The KGMU, Lohia and Civil hospital in Lucknow reported a 50-60 per cent increase in patients with respiratory problems on Thursday.
• The IMD said that the spell would be intense and continue till January 20 as the minimum temperature in Delhi and adjoining areas to touch 3-4 degrees Celsius once again.
• Delhi witnessed light rainfall on Thursday and recorded a minimum temperature of 9.3 degrees Celsius — two notches above the season’s average.
• Rajasthan, Fatehpur in Sikar and Churu have also been witnessing a chilling cold wave as the minimum temperatures of minus 1.8 degrees Celsius and minus 1.5 degrees Celsius, was recored on January 5.
• In Delhi, shelter homes were opened for homeless people. The shelter homes, ‘Rain Basera’ have beds, blankets, breakfast, and ample space for them.
• According to the weather department, moderate snowfall during the next two days is likely in the Kinnaur, Chamba, Lahaul -Spiti, Shimla and Kullu districts of Himachal Pradesh.
• Weather was partially cloudy in J&K during the last 24 hours as the Meteorological (MeT) office said on Friday that widespread light to moderate rain, snow is likely to occur during the next 24 hours.
• Snowfall continued in Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and other higher reaches of Kashmir. The officials said many areas in the plains of Kashmir received intermittent light rain.
• The Indo-Gangetic plains have a lot of moisture owing to the large number of water bodies and rivers in the region. High moisture content, low temperatures and calm winds are the recipes for dense fog.
• Notably, a severe cold wave is when the minimum temperature dips to 2 degrees Celsius or the departure from the normal limits is by more than 6.4 notches. A cold day is when the minimum temperature is less than or equal to 10 degrees Celsius and the maximum temperature is at least 4.5 notches below normal.

(With PTI Inputs)

Read all the Latest India News here