The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh weather alert, forecasting heavy rainfall in several southern states even as a cold wave tightens its grip over North India. Minimum temperatures have dropped below 10°C in many regions, marking the arrival of winter conditions across the northern plains and hilly states.
Cold Wave Intensifies Across North India
Cold conditions have begun to settle over North India, with minimum temperatures dipping significantly below normal. States such as Rajasthan, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are witnessing early winter chills, while parts of Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, and North Madhya Pradesh are also recording temperatures two to five degrees Celsius below average.
According to IMD data, the cold wave is expected to persist over the northwestern plains and adjoining central India for at least the next six to seven days. The minimum temperature in many northern regions remains below 10°C, signaling the early onset of winter.
Heavy Rainfall Predicted for South India
While northern states face a drop in temperatures, the southern region is set to experience widespread rainfall. The IMD has issued a heavy rain warning for:
- Tamil Nadu: from 7 to 9 November
- Kerala: from 8 to 10 November
These regions are likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by heavy showers due to moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. Coastal and interior areas may also see localized flooding or waterlogging in low-lying zones.
Temperature Trends Across Central and Eastern India
In central and western India, minimum temperatures are likely to fall by two to three degrees Celsius over the next two days, with stable conditions expected afterward.
Meanwhile, eastern India will witness a sharper decline, with temperatures likely to drop by three to four degrees Celsius in the next three days.
Kashmir Records Season’s Coldest Night
The cold wave has hit Jammu and Kashmir particularly hard. Srinagar recorded the season’s coldest night with a minimum temperature of 0.2°C, while the average temperature across the Kashmir Valley dropped by one to three degrees Celsius.
Recent snowfall in higher altitudes has further pulled temperatures down, and several areas in the valley have recorded sub-zero temperatures. The popular hill station Pahalgam in Anantnag district recorded -3.0°C, making it the coldest location in Kashmir this season.
Delhi’s Temperature Drops, Air Quality Still ‘Very Poor’
In the national capital, Delhi, temperatures dipped slightly on Friday morning as the chill intensified. However, air quality continues to remain in the ‘very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 311, with 26 of the 38 monitoring stations reporting “very poor” air quality. Bawana reported an AQI of 366, while Jahangirpuri followed at 348.
As per CPCB standards:
- 0–50 is considered “Good”
- 51–100 “Satisfactory”
- 101–200 “Moderate”
- 201–300 “Poor”
- 301–400 “Very Poor”
- 401–500 “Severe”
What Lies Ahead
According to IMD forecasts, the cold wave across North India is likely to continue, while heavy rainfall will dominate parts of South India in the coming days. Residents are advised to stay updated with local weather bulletins, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rains, and take precautions against the cold in northern states.
