Jammu, December 24:
The chill increased in entire North India due to snowfall in the mountains and drizzle in many places in the plains including the capital. On the third day of Chilla Kalan in Kashmir, Srinagar witnessed snowfall on Monday and the temperature was recorded below zero in many places.
The second snowfall of the season before Christmas in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, brought cheers among tourists. In the plains, cold winds and rain at some places in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan led to a drop in temperature. In many parts, fog also prevailed in the morning.
The rain caused by the western disturbance is considered very beneficial for crops. Delhi-NCR, Mathura and Meerut remained cloudy throughout the day on Monday, due to which the sun did not come out. It also rained in Delhi in the evening. However, despite light rain and drizzle, people did not get relief from the pollution level. The Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the severe category at 450. At the same time, light rain occurred in Ganganagar, Churu, Pilani of Rajasthan.
The Meteorological Department has predicted a severe cold wave in Jammu and Kashmir from December 24. In Uttarakhand too, on December 24, light rain may occur in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Tehri, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh and Almora and snowfall in higher parts.
