Dehradun: Uttarakhand is currently facing a severe cold wave, with chilling conditions in the hilly areas and dense fog enveloping the plains, making daily life challenging. People are resorting to bonfires and other means to stay warm as the mercury plunges.
In the state, mountains are experiencing severe cold, while the plains are engulfed in fog. Morning and evening bonfires are common, and people seek sunlight in the afternoon. Reduced visibility due to fog is causing problems for drivers, slowing vehicle speeds, and increasing the risk of accidents.
Partial cloud cover and light fog are expected in Dehradun
Despite dry weather in the state, bright sunshine during the day offers some relief from the cold, though fog in the mornings and evenings, along with cold winds, maintains the chill. The IMD forecasts dry weather for Thursday and Friday, with partly cloudy conditions in some areas of Dehradun.
Frost may occur in mountainous regions
As IMD forecasted, fog is likely in the plains, while frost may occur in mountainous regions in coming days. Rain and snowfall are expected on Saturday and Sunday at elevations above 3,000 meters. Haridwar and Roorkee cities experienced fog on Wednesday morning, which cleared later, but cold winds and dark clouds increased the chill. Light sunshine in the afternoon provided some relief, but the cold intensified in the evening.
Decrease in maximum and minimum temperatures
Amid the cold wave, most of the cities are experiencing decrease in maximum and minimum temperatures. On Wednesday, Dehradun’s maximum temperature was 18.9°C and the minimum was 8.2°C. Udham Singh Nagar recorded 15.0°C (max) and 11.8°C (min), Mukteshwar had 17.4°C (max) and 2.4°C (min), and New Tehri saw 15.2°C (max) and 4.0°C (min).
Drivers are advised not to drive if visibility is very low
Due to dense fog in the plains, including Dehradun, RTO enforcement has advised drivers not to drive forcibly and to always stay in their lanes. It is crucial to follow traffic rules in foggy conditions, and if visibility is very low, it’s best to stop at a safe place until the fog clears.
