Cold wave, rain and snowfall alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning that the cold wave is going to increase further in North India before the new year starts. The department has said that due to the impact of western disturbance from December 26, there will be large-scale changes in the weather in the Himalayan regions and plains.

Snowfall and cold wave forecast due to western disturbance

• Due to western disturbance, there is a possibility of snowfall and sporadic rain in the western Himalayan regions between 27 to 29 December.
• Due to the moisture coming from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, the cold wave may further increase in the plains.
• Cold is likely to reach severe levels in areas like Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Alert of thunder and hailstorm also

IMD has issued an alert of thunderstorm and hail in many states of North and Central India on 27-28 December.

• Affected areas: Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, West Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
• There is a possibility of rain in Maharashtra and Gujarat between 26-28 December.

Snowfall and severe cold in Himalayan regions

Kashmir Valley:

Cold wave continues to wreak havoc in Kashmir valley.

• Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -3.6°C on Sunday night.
• The temperature in Pahalgam reached -5°C, while it was -4.8°C in Gulmarg.
• Konibal area was the coldest place in the valley with -6.0°C.

Warning for tourists:

Tourists and locals have been advised to follow the guidelines of the administration keeping in mind the possible dangers on the road due to snowfall and sub-zero temperatures.

Enjoy snowfall in Shimla and Himachal

Shimla:

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, was covered with a white blanket of snow on Monday.

• The snowfall before Christmas has brought happiness to the faces of tourists and local people.
• Adjoining areas, such as Kufri, Narkanda, Khadapathar, Churdhar and Chanshal, also received heavy snowfall.

Benefits in Tourism and Farming:

• The snowfall will boost the tourism industry, and local apple growers hope for a better harvest.
• Tourists were seen enjoying the snowfall at places like Ridge and Mall Road.

Weather forecast in the coming days

1. Himachal and Uttarakhand:
   Snowfall and rain are expected in central and higher areas.
2. Plains of North India:
   There is a possibility of further increase in cold due to cold wave and fog.
3. Kashmir Valley:
   The temperature is expected to drop further in the next 48 hours.

Tips to protect yourself from weather hazards

1. Pay attention to traffic: Roads can be dangerous due to snow in high altitude areas.
2. Wear warm clothes: Use enough warm clothes and a heater to avoid cold.
3. Travel with planning: Be sure to check the weather before going to tourist places.