Winter Chill Tightens Grip on Varanasi: "Cold Day" Conditions and Flight Disruptions Reported

VARANASI — A sharp drop in day temperatures coupled with strong westerly winds has gripped Varanasi, creating severe "Cold Day" conditions across the city. Despite a marginal rise in minimum temperatures, the lack of sunshine and icy winds have kept citizens shivering, with significant disruptions reported in air travel.

Temperature Dip & The "Windy Chill" On Monday, the city witnessed a drastic drop in the maximum temperature, which plummeted to 15°C—a significant 7.7°C below the seasonal normal. The minimum temperature was recorded at 11°C.

Meteorologists noted that the gap between day and night temperatures narrowed to just 4 degrees, intensifying the perception of cold. Experts attribute this weather pattern to the La Niña effect and the Jet Stream, which is currently funneling icy winds from the snow-clad mountains directly into the plains.

Air Travel Disrupted The adverse weather conditions have heavily impacted operations at Babatpur Airport. Low visibility and dense fog led to the cancellation of three major flights on Monday, including SpiceJet and Air India Express services on the Delhi-Varanasi-Delhi route. Additionally, six other flights faced significant delays, causing inconvenience to passengers.

Forecast: A Damp New Year? Looking ahead, the weather department has cautioned that New Year’s Eve celebrations might face a wet interruption. A new Western Disturbance, currently active over Afghanistan, is influencing weather patterns in the region.

While heavy rainfall is not expected, meteorologists predict that parts of Purvanchal, including Varanasi, may witness drizzle or light rain starting December 31. Residents are advised to plan their New Year celebrations accordingly.

Advisory for Students and Staff:

Please ensure you are dressed in adequate winter wear to protect against the icy winds.

Commuters should exercise caution during early morning hours due to potential fog and low visibility.