Udaipur, December 23, 2024 - The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of extreme cold conditions in North India in the coming days. An Orange alert for heavy rains was also issued in several parts of India leading to harsh winter temperatures in States like Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana.

An intense western disturbance, the first of this season, became active in Rajasthan since last night and could last till December 23-24, according to Jaipur Met Department. Minimum temperatures could dip by 4-5 degrees Celsius. Last night, there was light drizzle in some districts like Bikaner and Sri Ganganagar. Cold is expected to increase across the State because of rain-like conditions and cloud cover. Going ahead, Udaipur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Kota will remain cloudy and could see some rainfall.

Meanwhile, Kashmir is currently experiencing its coldest winter in years with minimum temperatures reaching below freezing point. On December 20, Srinagar recorded minus 8.5 degrees Celsius, its coldest night of the month in more than three decades. From December 21, the region entered Chillai Kalan, the 40-day harsh winter period. Freezing temperatures caused water pipes to freeze and snow-fed rivers and streams to turn into ice therefore, disrupting hydropower generation.

Himachal Pradesh, too, is witnessing extreme winter conditions with a Yellow alert being issued warning of fog in the Bhakra Dam area and Balh Valley.

With Media Inputs