IMD Alert: Severe Cold Wave Hits North India, Heavy Rains Predicted in South

IMD Cold Alert : As December begins, the northern and central parts of India are experiencing a severe cold wave. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures have dipped significantly across Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The minimum temperatures in some areas have dropped below 5 degrees Celsius. In Rajasthan’s Sikar district, the mercury plummeted to a chilling 1.5 degrees Celsius, making it one of the coldest places in the plains.

The IMD has issued a warning of an intensified cold wave sweeping through Northwest and Central India over the next five days. States like Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and parts of Uttar Pradesh will continue to face biting cold conditions.

Cold Wave Sweeps Across Northern States

North India has been grappling with a cold wave that has impacted daily life significantly. In Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, the temperatures have dropped to freezing levels, with snow-covered landscapes adding to the chill. Punjab and Madhya Pradesh are also facing similar conditions, with cold winds exacerbating the situation.

The IMD has predicted severe cold wave conditions in Rajasthan between December 11 and December 16, while Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi are expected to face cold wave conditions from December 11 to December 13. The biting cold is not sparing Central India either, as states like Madhya Pradesh are experiencing plummeting temperatures, with minimums hovering around 5 degrees Celsius.

Rainfall Alerts in Southern India

While the North shivers, Southern India is gearing up for heavy rainfall. A low-pressure area in the southwest Bay of Bengal is expected to bring torrential rains to Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal on December 11 and 12. The IMD has also issued heavy rainfall alerts for Kerala, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Rayalaseema.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands will experience heavy showers on December 13 and 14. The IMD has also highlighted the possibility of isolated very heavy rainfall in Southern Karnataka on December 12. Such weather conditions are expected to cause disruptions in these regions, including waterlogging and travel delays.

Minimum Temperatures Drop Across Several Regions

The plains of North India are witnessing sharp declines in temperatures. Delhi and its neighboring areas, including Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, are recording minimum temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius. Saurashtra and Kutch are also seeing the mercury dip significantly, adding to the chill.

In East India, temperatures in states like Assam, Meghalaya, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh have been recorded between 3 and 5 degrees Celsius. This sudden drop is attributed to the cold winds blowing from the Northwest.

IMD Forecast: What’s Next?

The IMD has predicted that Northwest and Central India will see no significant change in minimum temperatures over the next five days. However, Eastern India might witness a drop of 2–3 degrees Celsius in the coming two days. Western India is likely to experience a slight increase in temperatures during the same period.

For Rajasthan, severe cold wave conditions are expected to persist until December 16, with December 11 being marked as a particularly cold day. Meanwhile, Punjab and Haryana will continue to battle the cold through December 16. Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are also expected to experience freezing temperatures with cold wave conditions intensifying from December 13 to 16.

Southern India Braces for Wet Weather

The southern states of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala are preparing for heavy rains due to the low-pressure system. The IMD has urged residents to stay alert as these conditions may lead to flooding in low-lying areas. Coastal regions, in particular, should be cautious as strong winds and rough seas are expected.