Minus 8.5°C: Srinagar records coldest December night in 50 years, Delhi shivers in fog

North India is reeling under an intense cold wave, with Srinagar witnessing its coldest December night in five decades. The temperature in the city plummeted to minus 8.5 degrees Celsius, marking the third-coldest December night since 1891. This record-breaking chill coincides with the onset of the 40-day-long Chillai Kalan, the harshest winter phase in Kashmir.

Dal Lake, a prominent attraction in Srinagar, bore the brunt of the cold as its surface froze, leaving boatmen struggling to break the ice. Historically, the lowest-ever temperature in December in Srinagar was recorded at minus 12.8 degrees Celsius on December 13, 1934. With Chillai Kalan extending until January 31, the valley is bracing for more freezing nights, followed by shorter cold periods—Chillai Khurd and Chillai Bachha.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, acknowledging the severe cold, announced the cancellation of his programs in Jammu to remain in Srinagar. In a social media post, he stated his intent to personally monitor winter arrangements, including power and electricity supply, as residents endure this unprecedented chill.

Meanwhile, Delhi faced its own winter struggles as dense fog blanketed the city on Sunday morning. The minimum temperature dipped to 8 degrees Celsius, forcing residents to seek warmth through bonfires and night shelters. The city’s air quality also worsened, with the AQI plunging to a 'severe' 427, raising concerns about health and visibility amid the ongoing cold wave.

Rajasthan also reported cold wave conditions, with Karauli recording the state’s lowest temperature at 4.5 degrees Celsius. Other districts, including Sangaria and Churu, reported minimum temperatures ranging from 5.3 to 7.8 degrees Celsius. Despite the bone-chilling weather, the India Meteorological Department reported dry conditions in most parts of the state, with some areas experiencing fog.

Saturday also marked the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. In Delhi, the duration of daylight was 10 hours and 19 minutes, while Mumbai enjoyed nearly 11 hours of daylight. The solstice, which occurs when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, highlights the seasonal shift toward longer days.

As the cold wave continues, officials and residents alike are preparing to tackle the harsh conditions expected in the coming weeks across northern India.