By Kaveesha Fernando
NEW DELHI, India (CWBN)_ The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated on Thursday (December 17) that they observed a Cold Wave in parts of North India yesterday.
The department issued guidelines which instructed people in the area to follow weather forecasts, avoid or limit outdoor activities, keep dry and drink hot beverages. The guidelines also included several other instructions.
The department announced yesterday that they observed “Cold Wave conditions in some pockets with Severe Cold Wave conditions in isolated pockets over West Rajasthan” and “Severe Cold Wave condition in isolated pockets over East Rajasthan”, as well as “Cold Wave conditions in isolated pockets over south Haryana, Delhi and West Uttar Pradesh”.
The department also noted that transport in the area may be affected. This includes airports, highways, railway routes and ferry services. They stated that the weather may cause poor road conditions for driving, which could lead to increased traffic collisions.
The department noted that the Lowest Minimum Temperature of the day, 0.5°C, was recorded over Sikar in East Rajasthan.
This is not the first time the department has declared a cold wave in the region. Temperatures have been uncommonly low in the past few weeks according to Indian media reports. Cold waves have been declared previously as well in the past two months.
Cold weather is especially concerning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The low temperature, combined with the pollution in the area, has created thick fog which has caused COVID-19 symptoms to worsen in patients. State governments banned the use of firecrackers for Diwali celebrations last month in a bid to prevent further air pollution.
