A severe cold wave has gripped Uttar Pradesh, bringing life to a near standstill as icy winds from the mountains continue to lash the state. With dense fog blanketing 50 districts and visibility in Mathura plummeting to a mere 50 meters, residents are braving harsh conditions. Many are relying on bonfires to cope with the relentless chill.
In Lucknow, where the temperature was recorded at 10°C early Thursday morning, the freezing winds have left residents shivering. “The cold is unbearable,” said Sunita Yadav, a street vendor in the city. “I light a fire every morning, but it is hard to stay warm. Sales have dropped because fewer people are stepping out.”
Similarly, Ramesh Prasad, a rickshaw puller, shared, “I have been wearing layers of clothing, but the winds cut through everything. It’s been tough earning enough in this weather.”
Meerut recorded the state’s lowest temperature at 6°C, making it the coldest district. “We haven’t seen such bitter cold in years,” said Anil Sharma, a farmer in the region.
“The frost is affecting our crops, and it is a struggle to work in the fields. Even at home, staying warm is difficult.”
The Meteorological Department predicts the cold wave will persist for the next three days, with temperatures expected to dip further by 3 to 5 degrees over the next 48 hours. Rainfall is likely to return on January 6, potentially exacerbating the situation.
Lucknow remained cloaked in fog and overcast skies on Thursday, with eastern winds dominating the daytime. The weather forecast suggests a minimum temperature of 9°C and a maximum of 18°C. Statewide, temperatures have fallen sharply due to strong winds blowing at speeds of 20-25 km/h. Kanpur recorded a significant dip, with the daytime temperature dropping to 6.6°C-the steepest decline in Uttar Pradesh.
Dr. S.N. Sunil Pandey, a meteorologist at Kanpur’s CSA University, attributed the intensified cold to the steady flow of mountain winds.
“The cold wave has been ongoing for the past 48 hours, increasing the chill factor significantly. This pattern will likely continue for the next 72 hours, followed by a chance of light drizzle,” he said.
Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities and take precautions against the bitter cold, while advising travelers to avoid journeys during periods of dense fog.
