A brutal cold wave has swept across North India, with Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand experiencing heavy snowfall, severely impacting travel. In Himachal Pradesh, 226 roads, including three national highways, are closed, while Uttarakhand’s Dehradun has seen traffic on a 30-kilometer stretch of the Tyuni-Chakrata-Mussoorie National Highway come to a standstill due to intense snowfall.
The Dharanadhar-Koti Kanasar road in Uttarakhand is buried under heavy snow, stranding two tourists from Delhi, according to IANS. In Jammu and Kashmir, while snowfall has transformed the region into a picturesque winter destination, it has brought significant challenges for both locals and visitors. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that Srinagar is enduring a minimum temperature of -7°C.
Severe Cold Wave Alert in Himachal Pradesh
The IMD has issued an ‘orange’ alert for severe cold conditions in Himachal Pradesh, warning of persistent fog across the state. Some regions are also likely to see rain and snow over the weekend.
“Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are very likely in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir on December 26,” the IMD stated.
Of the 226 roads closed in Himachal Pradesh, Shimla accounts for 123 closures, Lahaul and Spiti for 36, and Kullu for 25. Additionally, 173 transformers are out of service, disrupting power supply across the state, PTI reported.
Delhi Choked by Smog and Cold
Delhi woke up to a thick layer of smog on Thursday, with air quality remaining in the ‘very poor’ category. Visibility in the city dropped significantly, causing flight disruptions, with at least 83 departures delayed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) since midnight.
The airport issued an advisory urging passengers to check with airlines for updated flight information, stating, “Low Visibility Procedures are in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are presently normal.”
The national capital is also reeling under cold wave conditions, recording a minimum temperature of 7°C on Thursday morning. The IMD has predicted light rainfall on Friday and Saturday and issued a ‘yellow’ alert for dense fog on Sunday.
