The dipping mercury in North India has no connection to the ‘Polar Vortex’ that has left much of the US shivering.
“There is no linkage,” said M. Mohapatra, a senior scientist with the India Meteorological Department. He said cold conditions will prevail in north-west India over the next few days due to a western disturbance.
“So far, there is no significant cold-wave condition compared to last year,” said Mohapatra. The minimum temperatures, so far, are below normal by 2-4 degrees Centigrade across North India. The normal temperature in the region during winter is 5-10 degrees Centigrade.
Mohapatra said another western disturbance is expected to hit the north-western region on Wednesday, bringing rain and snowfall to the hill areas from Thursday. The Northern Railway has rescheduled some 20 trains, while another 30 are running late.
Meanwhile, a cell comprising airline, airport and government officials has been set up to monitor fog conditions in and around Delhi.