A severe cold wave, dense fog, and poor air quality have taken over northern India, disrupting daily life and causing significant travel delays. 

On Monday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a minimum temperature of 9.6°C in Delhi, higher than the usual seasonal average, accompanied by high humidity and dense fog that caused significant disruptions to air and rail traffic. 

Meanwhile, in other northern states like Punjab, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, and Rajasthan, cold conditions continue to persist, with temperatures dropping well below freezing in some areas.

Dense fog and poor air quality in Delhi

Delhi continues to grapple with cold weather, as the IMD recorded a minimum temperature of 9.6°C, which is 2.2°C higher than the normal for this time of year. The relative humidity is a high 99 percent, with the maximum temperature expected to rise to 19°C later in the day. 

Flights at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport were delayed due to low visibility, and several train services were either delayed or cancelled. Adding to the challenges is the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) which was recorded at 274 at 9am Monday, placing it in the “poor” category.

According to the CPCB guidelines, an AQI between 201 and 300 indicates poor air quality. According to the CPCB, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".

The IMD has issued a yellow warning for dense fog throughout the day, causing disruptions at both air and rail traffic.

IMD Alert: More Than 99 Flights, At Least 26 Trains Delayed As Dense Fog; Zero Visibility And More

Rajasthan faces light rainfall amid cold conditions

Rajasthan is also experiencing intense cold conditions, compounded by light to moderate rainfall in some areas. Jaisalmer recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 6.6°C, while cities like Alwar (6.8°C) and Ajmer (7.7°C) also saw temperatures dip significantly. The Met Department has forecast a further drop in night temperatures by 2 to 4 degrees over the next couple of days.

Rainfall was recorded in several parts of the state, including Dholpur, Pilani, and Udaipurwati, where 2 cm of rain was recorded in 24 hours. Dense fog also affected visibility in certain areas.

The weather office has predicted more rainfall across Jaipur, Bikaner, and Kota divisions on January 14 and 15.

Cold conditions persist in Punjab & Haryana

Both Punjab and Haryana continue to experience unrelenting cold conditions. In Punjab, Amritsar recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 4.7°C on Monday. Other cities like Ludhiana (8.8°C), Faridkot (5.3°C), and Pathankot (5.6°C) also saw temperatures drop below the usual seasonal averages. 

In Haryana, temperatures ranged between 6.5°C in Karnal and 11.2°C in Rohtak. Chandigarh, the shared capital of both states, recorded a low of 8.3°C, slightly above normal but still within the cold wave conditions.

Despite the cold, the weather remains dry in the region, with no significant rainfall expected. However, temperatures are expected to stay low for the next few days.

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‘Chillai Kalan’ continues to freeze Jammu & Kashmir 

In Jammu & Kashmir, the harshest winter period, 'Chillai-Kalan,' continues, with temperatures plummeting across the Kashmir Valley. Pahalgam recorded the coldest temperature at -8.4°C, down from the previous night's -6.2°C. 

Srinagar also saw a drop to -5.1°C from -3°C the previous night. Other locations in the region, such as Gulmarg (-6.5°C) and Qazigund (-6.4°C), are also experiencing extreme cold.

The weather is expected to remain mostly dry until January 18, with the possibility of light snow in isolated higher reaches on January 15 and 16. 

Dal Lake Freezes As Chillai Kalan Begins In Kashmir

The ongoing 'Chillai-Kalan'bet88, the harsh cold period which began on December 21, is expected to end on January 30, followed by a milder 'Chillai-Khurd' phase.