Winter Delayed: Lucknow's Warm Spell Continues

Colder winter conditions are not expected to arrive in the state capital for at least another week, though foggy mornings continue to impact visibility. Scientists attribute this unusual warmth to a weak western disturbance that lacks the strength to bring in cold air, allowing ample sunlight and keeping daytime temperatures mild.

The region has experienced dry weather with persistent fog, particularly in the early hours. Lucknow recorded a minimum temperature of 11 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 24.6 degrees Celsius on Monday, significantly above typical December averages. Yellow alerts for dense fog have been issued for parts of Uttar Pradesh, but severe cold remains absent.

Beneficially, the mild winds have contributed to cleaner air, improving Lucknow's Air Quality Index (AQI) to 163, placing it in the 'moderate' category after four consecutive days in the 'poor' zone. However, meteorologists caution that this relief might be temporary without sustained winds or rainfall, as temperatures are predicted to remain above normal for mid-December.