The India Meteorological Department has forecast continued cold conditions across Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir for the next two days. Simi🐼lar weather is expected in Rajasthan from December 17-20.
Heavy cold and dense fog gripped Delhi-NCR on Tuesday. It has caused severe disruption across the region. Thick fog enveloped various parts of the district, severely reduced visibility and created challenges for commuters. The minimum temperature on Tuesday morning in Delhi🎐 was 5.9 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the cold wave will persist and affect Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and 🀅Jammu and Kashmir over the next two days. Similar conditions are exp☂ected in Rajasthan from December 17 to 20.
As the cold wave intensified, authorities took swift action to mitigate the impact on daily life. To protect students from the biting cold and due to worsening ai🃏r quality, several measures have been introduced across t🍎he Delhi-NCR region.
Temperatures also dropped in Noida significantly. The Gautam Buddh Nagar administrati🔜on announced revised school timings. Aꦍll schools in the district, both government and private, will now begin classes at 9 AM until further notice.
"In view 🔥of th🍃e extreme cold, as per the instructions given by the District Magistrate, Gautam Buddh Nagar, classes in all schools will start from 9 AM until further orders. All principals are instructed to ensure strict compliance with these instructions," news agency PTI has quoted Dr. Dharmveer Singh, the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS), as saying.
AQI Soars Into 'Severe' Category
Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality continued to worsen. The Air Quality Index (AQI) soared above the 400 mark and placed it in the "severe" category. It led the city government to activate the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4). It requires schools in ✅Delhi-NCR to shift to hybrid classes for students up to Class V. The directive extends to schools in Noida, Greater Noida and surrounding areas to ensure that classes are conducted online or in a mix of virtual and ph💜ysical modes.
"In compliance with the instructions of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), all principals and headmasters of schools from Class 1 to Class 5 in Gautam Buddh Nagar are directed to ensure that classes are conducted𒀰 in hybrid mode," stated Basic Shiksha Adhikari Rahul Panwar.
The Centre's air quality panel imposed Sta♕ge 3 restrictions under the GRAP, which mandates the closure of physical classes for younger students and the shift to 🌼hybrid formats in areas where the air quality poses health risks. With the combination of severe cold and hazardous air quality, authorities are urging schools and parents to prioritise safety.
Office Timings Also Adjusted Amid Cold Wave
As temperatures plummeted, the Uttar Pradesh government adjusted office timings to 10 AM to 5 PM to protect workers from the cold. Offices under the Noi🐓da, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway authorities will operat🐓e from 9 AM to 6 PM, while those under the Nagar Palika Parishad and panchayats are now set to function from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
With the cold wave continuing to affect the region, authorities have advised residents to take extra precautions, such as wearing adequate warm clothing and avoiding unnecessary outdoor activities. As dense fog continue♍s to disrupt daily life. Commuters have also been urged to drive cautiously and be aware of low visibility on roads.
The cold spell and pollution-𓃲related measures are likely to remain in place as temperatures remain below normal, continuing to impact the daily routine💮 in the coming days.