In the Delhi-NCR region, the sun has remained visible in the sky for the better part of the day and has provided some respite in the form of cooling winds in the early morning and the afternoon. Even the sun has remained radiant in the sky to provide a hint of warmth in the day. This has provided some relief to the people. But for how long? As the dusk approaches in the Delhi-NCR region, the temperature drops significantly, and the mercury level at night is at 3 degrees Celsius.

As per the IMD, the possibility of high and dense fog engulfing Delhi-NCR during the night of January 14 has led the weather office to issue an orange alert. Additionally, wind speed may remain at 17 km per hour, which might further reduce the “feels like” temperature. With the onset of high & dense fog, visibility could suddenly decrease, more so in late night & early morning hours.

The cold wave conditions are also likely in several cities of the Delhi-NCR region. A combination of low temperatures and dense fog may affect road, rail, and flight operations. The weather department has advised people to avoid unnecessary travel at night and during early morning hours, particularly on highways and open roads.

The IMD has predicted a gradual increase in both maximum and minimum temperatures till January 20 from January 15. During the period, day temperature is likely to touch around 23 degrees Celsius, providing temporary respite from cold weather.

IMD has also stated that a new western disturbance might turn active over the west Himalayan region from January 15. This weather system will impact the North Indian region, including Delhi-NCR. Therefore, there might be rainfall as well as hailstorms in the region between January 20-23.

"Western disturbance systems are going to affect the mountains again," said Dr. Mahesh Palawat, the senior meteorologist at Skymet Weather Services. This would result in rains in Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. There would also be hail in some parts of these areas that can affect agriculture as well as routine life.

Hence, though the intensity of daytime temperatures can increase momentarily in some places, unpredictable weather conditions, fog, and western disturbances are expected to sustain the snow conditions in Northern India in the days to come.