If you've stepped outside recently across North India, you've probably felt it—that unmistakable, biting chill in the air. This isn't just your typical winter setting in; we're witnessing some truly historic weather patterns unfold. From record-shattering temperatures in the heart of the country to snow-laden Himalayan passes, a massive weather system is making its presence known, and it looks like things are only going to get colder from here.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Madhya Pradesh is experiencing record-breaking cold, with Bhopal hitting an 84-year low in November.
- ✓ A cold wave alert has been issued for Jhunjhunu-Sikar in Rajasthan for December 3rd and 4th.
- ✓ Himachal's famous Rohtang Pass is completely covered in a thick blanket of snow.
- ✓ An active Western Disturbance is currently influencing the weather, but its departure will bring even colder winds.
- ✓ Bihar is feeling the effects of cyclone 'Ditwah', leading to cloudy skies and dense fog in several districts.
Madhya Pradesh: A November for the Record Books
Let's start with what's happening in Madhya Pradesh, because it's genuinely remarkable. The state just went through a November that has shattered long-standing records. In the capital city of Bhopal, the mercury plunged to a staggering 5.2°C. To put that in perspective, that’s the coldest the city has been in 84 years for this time of year! The data shows that the city endured a cold wave for 16 days, and for 18 days, the minimum temperature stayed below the 10-degree mark.
It wasn't just Bhopal feeling the freeze. Indore experienced its coldest November in 25 years. The forecast for December suggests this trend isn't letting up. Experts are predicting that temperatures in several cities could drop below 5 degrees, and a cold wave alert is already in place for Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, and the Chambal division. In fact, the weather department has issued a yellow alert for Bhopal and Indore specifically, anticipating a continued cold wave over the next 48 hours.
Looking at the numbers from the last 24 hours, the minimum temperatures in Bhopal division’s districts dropped by about four degrees Celsius, while Indore and Narmadapuram divisions saw a dip of 1.9 to 2.2 degrees. The coldest spot was Naugaon in Chhatarpur, which recorded a low of 6.5°C. Other cities are also shivering, with Pachmarhi at 7°C, Rajgarh at 8.2°C, and Jabalpur at 10.5°C.
Snowy Scenes in the Himalayas
Moving north to the mountains, it's a true winter wonderland. Himachal Pradesh's iconic Rohtang Pass is completely draped in a pristine white sheet of snow. The pass was temporarily closed last week due to slippery conditions but has since been reopened by the district administration. However, travelers should be cautious, as a new alert for more rain and snowfall is in effect for December 4th and 5th.
The cold is widespread across the state. A total of 15 cities, including the popular tourist destination Manali, have recorded temperatures below 5°C. This heavy snowfall in Himachal and Jammu-Kashmir is a primary driver of the cold winds now sweeping down into the northern plains.
Neighboring Uttarakhand is also bracing for a change in weather. The state is expecting rain and snowfall in its hilly regions around December 5th and 6th. The temperatures in the mountains have already started to drop, making mornings and evenings particularly chilly. Down in the plains, districts like Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar are already experiencing light fog, a classic sign of the winter to come.
The Chill Spreads Across the Plains
This isn't just a mountain phenomenon; the cold is spilling over into the plains with significant force. In Rajasthan, the chill has intensified, with overnight temperatures dropping by 1 to 3 degrees in many cities. Places like Sikar, Alwar, Churu, and Sri Ganganagar have all seen their minimum temperatures fall below 10°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for a severe cold wave specifically for the districts of Jhunjhunu and Sikar on December 3rd and 4th.
Over in Punjab, the impact of the Himalayan snowfall is being felt strongly, especially during the mornings and evenings. The weather department has issued a yellow alert for a cold wave in eight districts for today and tomorrow. The state’s average minimum temperature has fallen by 0.4 degrees. The coldest place in the state right now is Faridkot, which recorded a frigid low of 2.0°C. Meanwhile, in Delhi, residents are dealing with both the cold and pollution, with authorities seen spraying water in several locations to try and settle the dust and smog.
Understanding the Weather Dynamics
So, what's causing this sudden, intense drop in temperature? The main player right now is a Western Disturbance that is active over the northern hill states. Think of it as a temporary barrier that's actually weakening the icy northern winds for a short while. But here's the catch: this system is expected to move on after December 2nd or 3rd.
Once it passes, the floodgates will open for the frigid, snow-chilled winds from the Himalayas to rush southwards. This is when the cold is expected to truly intensify across Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Many cities in these states are likely to experience a severe cold wave during this period. In addition to this, there's another cyclonic circulation active over Punjab and its neighboring areas, contributing to the complex weather system.
Meanwhile, a different weather event is impacting Bihar. The state is currently feeling the effects of cyclone 'Ditwah'. This has resulted in cloudy skies across many districts and dense fog in seven districts, including Gopalganj, Betia, and Begusarai. Over the last 24 hours, Kishanganj was the coldest district in the state with a temperature of 12.6°C.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that a significant and widespread cold spell has firmly taken hold across North India. We're seeing everything from historic, 84-year-record lows in Bhopal to picturesque but challenging snowfalls blanketing the Rohtang Pass. While a Western Disturbance offers a brief pause, the real chill is set to arrive in the coming days as icy winds sweep down from the Himalayas. From Rajasthan to Bihar, the entire region is bracing for a colder-than-usual start to December. So, it's time to pull out the heavy blankets and get ready for a truly cold winter ahead.
