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Gurugram Chills: Record Cold Grips Northern India
13 Jan
Summary
- Gurugram recorded its coldest morning in 49 years at 0.6 degrees Celsius.
- Northern hill stations were warmer than Gurugram, with cloud cover trapping heat.
- Extreme cold is attributed to clear skies, cold winds, and dry winter conditions.
Gurugram recorded a frigid 0.6 degrees Celsius on Monday morning, its lowest temperature since January 22, 1977. This extreme cold makes the plains colder than popular hill destinations, with places like Kangra and Jammu recording higher temperatures. The unusual phenomenon is explained by cloud cover over the hills, which prevented heat from escaping, while clear skies and cold northwesterly winds over the plains led to sharp temperature drops.
This intense cold wave is compounded by an exceptionally dry winter, with northwest India experiencing significant rainfall deficits. The lack of snow in the hills contributes to the plains enduring the brunt of the extreme temperatures. Residents from southern India, like Jeeva Thavasiraj from Tamil Nadu, described the chill as unprecedented, impacting daily life with numb feet even in safety gear.
Dense fog and frost have made travel hazardous, with poor visibility on elevated roads, causing vehicles to move slowly. Health advisories caution against prolonged exposure, highlighting risks of frostbite, flu, and aggravated respiratory conditions, particularly for the elderly and children. A fresh western disturbance is expected around January 15, potentially bringing some relief with increased cloud cover.
