Afghanistan's children shudder in harsh winters amid rising violence

New Yorkers slid down the freshly fallen snow on Pilgrim Hill in Central Park on Thursday (December 17), making the best of the winter storm that marched up the U.S. East Coast the night before.

New Yorkers enjoy wintry mix

Winter, the flue season, is due to start very soon, and that should be the world's main focus now, as this year it is coupled with&nbsp;a virus that's not stopping down.

By most estimates, winter will drive up the infections and all of us&nbsp;who have been waiting for 2020 to end may find that the pandemic won't end with the calender year.

Winter is always a busy time for doctors as the seasonal flu strikes, and cough and cold spread. It's an annual test of human immunity.

This year, the test will be much tougher. For perspective, last year&nbsp;in the United States, sases of the flu spiked by 40 times during winter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-company-sinopharm-offering-free-covid-19-vaccine-to-students-335488">Also read:&nbsp;Chinese company Sinopharm offering free COVID-19 vaccine to students</a>

A century ago, during the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918, the death rate shot up by five times during winters.

This year, we have a deadly virus on the prowl that has&nbsp;killed more than a million people in the last eight months. The outbreak began during winter in Wuhan last year. The data is is not trustworthy&nbsp;and is devoid of a pattern.&nbsp;

However, what we know is that the world has witnessed 10 respiratory pandemics in the past 250 years, and in only three cases&nbsp;did the winter contribute to a second wave of infections.

Experts are relying on basic logic to recommend caution. The first wave killed far too many people, and the second one could be deadlier. It will coincide with the flu; both have the same symptoms.&nbsp;

Simultaneous outbreaks would strain health care systems and there's no effective vaccine in sight yet. The most optimistic expectation is to have a vaccine by 2021. Currently, there are 45 vaccines performing clinical trials on humans. However, even with the unprecedented speed of testing, mass vaccination programs are many months away.

The chief scientist of the WHO says the young and healthy may have to wait for the vaccine until 2022 as the first supplies will be administered to the healthcare and frontline workers.

As always, China remains the exception to the rule as it is&nbsp;cutting corners and administrating vaccines under trial to thousands of citizens.

Chinese companies are selling vaccines too. Reportedly, Sinovac is selling one dose of its coronavac vaccine for 30 dollars.

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Coronavac is a vaccine candidate that&nbsp;is yet to receive a global stamp of approval, but according to different reports, China has inoculated tens of thousands, if not more, under an emergency use program while the world is still struggling to contain new clusters, re-infections, and a virus that is showing no signs of slowing down.

Winter, the flue season, is due to start very soon, and that should be the world's main focus now, as this year it is coupled with a virus that's not stopping down.

Winter, the flue season, is due to start very soon, and that should be the world's main focus now, as this year it is coupled with a virus that's not stopping down. By most estimates, winter will drive up the infections and all of us who have been waiting for 2020 to end may find that the pandemic won't end with the calender year. Winter is always a busy time for doctors as the seasonal flu strikes, and cough and cold spread. It's an annual test of human immunity. This year, the test will be much tougher. For perspective, last year in the United States, sases of the flu spiked by 40 times during winter. Also read: Chinese company Sinopharm offering free COVID-19 vaccine to students A century ago, during the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918, the death rate shot up by five times during winters. This year, we have a deadly virus on the prowl that has killed more than a million people in the last eight months. The outbreak began during winter in Wuhan last year. The data is is not trustworthy and is devoid of a pattern. However, what we know is that the world has witnessed 10 respiratory pandemics in the past 250 years, and in only three cases did the winter contribute to a second wave of infections. Experts are relying on basic logic to recommend caution. The first wave killed far too many people, and the second one could be deadlier. It will coincide with the flu; both have the same symptoms. Simultaneous outbreaks would strain health care systems and there's no effective vaccine in sight yet. The most optimistic expectation is to have a vaccine by 2021. Currently, there are 45 vaccines performing clinical trials on humans. However, even with the unprecedented speed of testing, mass vaccination programs are many months away. The chief scientist of the WHO says the young and healthy may have to wait for the vaccine until 2022 as the first supplies will be administered to the healthcare and frontline workers. As always, China remains the exception to the rule as it is cutting corners and administrating vaccines under trial to thousands of citizens. Chinese companies are selling vaccines too. Reportedly, Sinovac is selling one dose of its coronavac vaccine for 30 dollars. × Coronavac is a vaccine candidate that is yet to receive a global stamp of approval, but according to different reports, China has inoculated tens of thousands, if not more, under an emergency use program while the world is still struggling to contain new clusters, re-infections, and a virus that is showing no signs of slowing down.

Winter is coming: Is the world ready to fight coronavirus in winters?

A new report from the Australia Institute says Australia's summers have been extended by half due to climate change. Pushing up temperatures in recent decades.

When temperatures across the rest of the world increase by 3.4 celsius on average - which was estimated in a recent report - Australia is projected to be closer to 4 celsius.

Despite good rain in some parts of Australia during February, summer rainfall was below average for the country as a whole.

The report reveals that summers are on average 31 days longer and winters 21 days shorter than it was in the 1950s and 60s.

The report has been released in the wake of the devastating and lengthy bushfires that burned nearly 30 million acres bushland, killing 33 people and nearly 1 billion native animals.

As per the report, the difference can be felt in Sydney, Melbourne and other parts of the country.Extreme heat can put the public at risk and hurt the economy.

Scientists have warned that increased temperatures and heat waves will lead to more dangerous fire seasons.

While shorter winters will reduce the window for hazard reduction to mitigate the impact of fires.

The Australian government has committed to the Paris agreement, which aims for a 26 to 28 per cent reduction on 2005 greenhouse gas emissions levels by 2030.

But still, the think-tank is calling the government to boost its emissions reduction plan to prevent more climate change-related warming.

A new report from the Australia Institute says Australia's summers have been extended by half due to climate change. Pushing up temperatures in recent decades. When temperatures across the rest of the world increase by 3.

A new report from the Australia Institute says Australia's summers have been extended by half due to climate change. Pushing up temperatures in recent decades. When temperatures across the rest of the world increase by 3.4 celsius on average - which was estimated in a recent report - Australia is projected to be closer to 4 celsius. Despite good rain in some parts of Australia during February, summer rainfall was below average for the country as a whole. The report reveals that summers are on average 31 days longer and winters 21 days shorter than it was in the 1950s and 60s. The report has been released in the wake of the devastating and lengthy bushfires that burned nearly 30 million acres bushland, killing 33 people and nearly 1 billion native animals. As per the report, the difference can be felt in Sydney, Melbourne and other parts of the country.Extreme heat can put the public at risk and hurt the economy. Scientists have warned that increased temperatures and heat waves will lead to more dangerous fire seasons. While shorter winters will reduce the window for hazard reduction to mitigate the impact of fires. The Australian government has committed to the Paris agreement, which aims for a 26 to 28 per cent reduction on 2005 greenhouse gas emissions levels by 2030. But still, the think-tank is calling the government to boost its emissions reduction plan to prevent more climate change-related warming.

Climate change: Australian summers now twice as long as winters

As <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cold-continues-in-delhi-dense-fog-hampers-visibility-270958">cold wave</a> conditions continue to sweep across the national capital and its adjoining areas, several homeless people took refuge at night shelters set up across the city. 
 
Today morning, a temperature of 8.8 degrees Celsius was recorded in the national capital. However, on Thursday, it was 5.8 degree Celsius in Safdarjung area at 5.30 am, as per the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/19-trains-running-late-due-to-low-visibility-in-northern-railway-region-271802">India Meteorological Department</a> (IMD). 
 
Manoj Kumar Jaiswal, the caretaker of a shelter home on Lodhi Road, said: "The government has provided all the facilities such as mattresses, blankets, drinking water, first-aid box and medicines etc. There are over 20 homeless people from states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar etc." 
 
Adding that all the facilities are for free, Jaiswal said that no document is required to stay in these shelter homes.

As cold wave conditions continue to sweep across the national capital and its adjoining areas, several homeless people took refuge at night shelters set up across the city.

As cold wave conditions continue to sweep across the national capital and its adjoining areas, several homeless people took refuge at night shelters set up across the city. Today morning, a temperature of 8.8 degrees Celsius was recorded in the national capital. However, on Thursday, it was 5.8 degree Celsius in Safdarjung area at 5.30 am, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Manoj Kumar Jaiswal, the caretaker of a shelter home on Lodhi Road, said: "The government has provided all the facilities such as mattresses, blankets, drinking water, first-aid box and medicines etc. There are over 20 homeless people from states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar etc." Adding that all the facilities are for free, Jaiswal said that no document is required to stay in these shelter homes.

Severe cold grips Delhi, homeless take refuge in shelter homes

Biting cold wave persists in northern states of India as the mercury continued its downward movement even further. The IMD department has predicted three days of rainfall in eastern parts of New Delhi from January 1, 2019. #ColdInDelhi #DelhiCold #Winters

Unabated cold wave grips New Delhi

Several states in the northern part of the country are reeling under a severe cold wave.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cold day to severe cold day conditions are very likely in many pockets over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

Bone-chilling cold winds have affected isolated places in Bihar, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim.

"Dense to very dense fog is very likely in many pockets over East Uttar Pradesh; in some pockets over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin.

According to the weather forecast agency, fog is also likely in isolated pockets of West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram, and Tripura in the morning hours.

Thunderstorm accompanied with hail and lightning is very likely at isolated places over East Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and also in few parts of Jharkhand and Coastal and south interior Karnataka.

Most of the northern parts of India have been engulfed by fog. According to IMD, visibility recorded at 5:30 am today was 200 meters and less in several parts.

For instance, in Churu, Lucknow, Baharaich and Dibrugarh the visibility was 25 meters each while in Patiala, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Gwalior and Guwahati it was only 50 meters each.

In Ambala, Bareilly, Bikaner, Sultanpur and Purnea the visibility was only 200 meters each.&nbsp;

Several states in the northern part of the country are reeling under a severe cold wave. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cold day to severe cold day conditions are very likely in many pockets over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

Several states in the northern part of the country are reeling under a severe cold wave. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cold day to severe cold day conditions are very likely in many pockets over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Bone-chilling cold winds have affected isolated places in Bihar, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim. "Dense to very dense fog is very likely in many pockets over East Uttar Pradesh; in some pockets over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin. According to the weather forecast agency, fog is also likely in isolated pockets of West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram, and Tripura in the morning hours. Thunderstorm accompanied with hail and lightning is very likely at isolated places over East Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and also in few parts of Jharkhand and Coastal and south interior Karnataka. Most of the northern parts of India have been engulfed by fog. According to IMD, visibility recorded at 5:30 am today was 200 meters and less in several parts. For instance, in Churu, Lucknow, Baharaich and Dibrugarh the visibility was 25 meters each while in Patiala, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Gwalior and Guwahati it was only 50 meters each. In Ambala, Bareilly, Bikaner, Sultanpur and Purnea the visibility was only 200 meters each.

Cold wave continues in North India

Temperature plunged record-breaking lows.

Arctic blast to put U.S into deep freeze

Delhiites woke up to a cold morning with the minimum temperature settling at 7 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal.

As many as 13 trains were running late due to fog, officials said.

According to a meteorological department official, humidity was recorded at 92 per cent.

"The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 19 degrees Celsius," the weatherman said.

&nbsp;

Delhiites woke up to a cold morning with the minimum temperature settling at 7 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal. As many as 13 trains were running late due to fog, officials said.

Delhiites woke up to a cold morning with the minimum temperature settling at 7 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal. As many as 13 trains were running late due to fog, officials said. According to a meteorological department official, humidity was recorded at 92 per cent. "The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 19 degrees Celsius," the weatherman said.

Cold morning in Delhi, fog delays 13 trains

The death toll from the cold front which has been battering Greece in the first days of the new year rose to three on Sunday, local authorities said.

Firemen retrieved the bodies of two men, aged 66 and 67, at the outskirts of Keratea town, 30 km southeast of Athens, according to a Fire Brigade announcement.

On Saturday, search squads also found the body of a 66-year-old woman, one of the victims' spouse.

They were all riding a car when a heavy storm hit the area on Thursday.

As the cold front named "Sophia", which was sweeping across Greece from Tuesday bringing snowfall and downpour in many parts of the country, receded on Sunday, Greece's national weather service warned that a new low-pressure weather system was due to hit the country on Monday evening.

"Telemachos", as meteorologists have named the new cold front, was forecast to bring snowfall in Athens and southern Greece, after "Sophia" caused travel disruptions in the northern and central regions of the country.

The lowest temperature of minus 19 Celsius degree was recorded on Sunday at Florina town in northern Greece.

The death toll from the cold front which has been battering Greece in the first days of the new year rose to three on Sunday, local authorities said. Firemen retrieved the bodies of two men, aged 66 and 67, at the outskirts of Keratea town, 30 km southeast of Athens, according to a Fire Brigade announcement.

The death toll from the cold front which has been battering Greece in the first days of the new year rose to three on Sunday, local authorities said. Firemen retrieved the bodies of two men, aged 66 and 67, at the outskirts of Keratea town, 30 km southeast of Athens, according to a Fire Brigade announcement. On Saturday, search squads also found the body of a 66-year-old woman, one of the victims' spouse. They were all riding a car when a heavy storm hit the area on Thursday. As the cold front named "Sophia", which was sweeping across Greece from Tuesday bringing snowfall and downpour in many parts of the country, receded on Sunday, Greece's national weather service warned that a new low-pressure weather system was due to hit the country on Monday evening. "Telemachos", as meteorologists have named the new cold front, was forecast to bring snowfall in Athens and southern Greece, after "Sophia" caused travel disruptions in the northern and central regions of the country. The lowest temperature of minus 19 Celsius degree was recorded on Sunday at Florina town in northern Greece.

Death toll from cold front in Greece rises to three

A group of young boys and girls in Jammu and Kashmir have turned a wall into 'Wall of Kindness' where people can hang their warm clothes for those in need.&nbsp;

Taking a cue from philanthropists in Iran and Turkey, the aim of the project is to provide relief to needy people of the state in the bone-chilling winters.

The sub-zero temperature in the mountainous state has frozen almost everything but this initiative is spreading warmth. The 'Wall of Kindness'&nbsp;is helping the poor and needy to survive in the biting cold winter.

Situated at the British-era boulevard, the wall has been painted by a non-governmental organisation where people can hang their clothes without being noticed.&nbsp;In the valley, many people have come forward with their clothes to help the needy in the freezing cold. State administration has also helped these people in getting the desired spaces for the wall.&nbsp;

<img alt="Wall of Kindness" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e2de1f75-867d-476e-b3d7-60a62db3046b" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_4.jpg" />

The initiative has been started by an NGO 'Who is Hussain’ which has almost two dozen volunteers including students and young professionals.

"The main idea was to help the people. We identified a wall where people can come and donate and at the same time, people who need can take them without being identified," a volunteer associated with the NGO said.

These volunteers now aim to expand the project to other areas as well. They say that they are already in the process of identifying spots where similar walls could be started. The move is being hailed by several people in the state.

A local resident said, "This is a very good step. This will help people in minus temperature, poor people will be benefited from this move. This has happened in foreign countries as well, I am happy that it has come to Kashmir, I urge people to donate extra clothes."

The initiative was initially started for the homeless people of Mashhad in Iran. Soon the practice spread throughout the country with a motto 'leave if you do not need'. Since then, the movement has spread to many other countries including China, Pakistan and Italy.&nbsp;

A group of young boys and girls in Jammu and Kashmir have turned a wall into 'Wall of Kindness' where people can hang their warm clothes for those in need. Taking a cue from philanthropists in Iran and Turkey, the aim of the project is to provide relief to needy people of the state in the bone-chilling winters.

A group of young boys and girls in Jammu and Kashmir have turned a wall into 'Wall of Kindness' where people can hang their warm clothes for those in need. Taking a cue from philanthropists in Iran and Turkey, the aim of the project is to provide relief to needy people of the state in the bone-chilling winters. The sub-zero temperature in the mountainous state has frozen almost everything but this initiative is spreading warmth. The 'Wall of Kindness' is helping the poor and needy to survive in the biting cold winter. Situated at the British-era boulevard, the wall has been painted by a non-governmental organisation where people can hang their clothes without being noticed. In the valley, many people have come forward with their clothes to help the needy in the freezing cold. State administration has also helped these people in getting the desired spaces for the wall. The initiative has been started by an NGO 'Who is Hussain’ which has almost two dozen volunteers including students and young professionals. "The main idea was to help the people. We identified a wall where people can come and donate and at the same time, people who need can take them without being identified," a volunteer associated with the NGO said. These volunteers now aim to expand the project to other areas as well. They say that they are already in the process of identifying spots where similar walls could be started. The move is being hailed by several people in the state. A local resident said, "This is a very good step. This will help people in minus temperature, poor people will be benefited from this move. This has happened in foreign countries as well, I am happy that it has come to Kashmir, I urge people to donate extra clothes." The initiative was initially started for the homeless people of Mashhad in Iran. Soon the practice spread throughout the country with a motto 'leave if you do not need'. Since then, the movement has spread to many other countries including China, Pakistan and Italy.

'Wall of Kindness' warms up Jammu and Kashmir

It was a chilly morning in the national capital with the minimum temperature settling at 3.6 degrees Celsius, three notches below normal, a meteorological department official said.

The humidity level was recorded at 100 per cent.

The weatherman has predicted a clear day ahead with the possibility of shallow fog on Tuesday morning.

"The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to settle around 22 and 4 degrees Celsius respectively," the official said.

On Sunday, the minimum and maximum temperatures were recorded at 3 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius respectively.&nbsp;

It was a chilly morning in the national capital with the minimum temperature settling at 3.6 degrees Celsius, three notches below normal, a meteorological department official said.

It was a chilly morning in the national capital with the minimum temperature settling at 3.6 degrees Celsius, three notches below normal, a meteorological department official said. The humidity level was recorded at 100 per cent. The weatherman has predicted a clear day ahead with the possibility of shallow fog on Tuesday morning. "The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to settle around 22 and 4 degrees Celsius respectively," the official said. On Sunday, the minimum and maximum temperatures were recorded at 3 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius respectively.

Chilly morning in Delhi, minimum temperature at 3.6 degree Celsius

There was a slight respite from the intense cold conditions at most places in Kashmir Valley even as Leh and Kargil in Ladakh region of the state experienced the coldest night of the season, the MET office said on Saturday.

The night temperature rose slightly across the valley, except in Kokernag, providing some relief to residents. However, the mercury went down in Ladakh region of the state, an official of the MET Office here said.

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, which had experienced the coldest December night in nearly three decades on the previous night at minus 7.7 degrees Celsius, saw the mercury rise half-a-degree to settle at a low of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius last night.

However, the official said the night temperature in the city was still over five degrees below normal for this time of the season.

He said Qazigund- the gateway town to the valley - in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius, up from minus 6.7 degrees Celsius the previous night.

Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6 degrees Celsius last night, the official said.

The night temperature in Pahalgam, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath yatra in south Kashmir, settled at a low of minus 8.3 degrees Celsius last night up from minus 9.5 degrees Celsius on the previous night.

The official said the ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 7 degrees Celsius, an increase of over two degrees from minus 9.3 degrees Celsius the previous night.

Kokernag town in south Kashmir was the only place in the valley where the night temperature dropped last night. The town registered a low of minus 5.8 degrees Celsius as against minus 5.5 degrees Celsius on the previous night.

The night temperature in Leh town in Ladakh region of the state dropped over two degrees from the previous night's minus 15.1 degrees Celsius to settle at a low of minus 17.5 degrees Celsius last night, the official said.

He said last night was the coldest night of the season so far there and Leh was the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir.

The nearby Kargil recorded a low of minus 16.7 degrees Celsius, the official said, adding last night was the coldest night of the season so far there.

Kashmir is currently under the grip of 'Chillai-Kalan' the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum and the temperature drops considerably.

'Chillai-Kalan' ends on January 31, but the cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir. The 40-day period is followed by a 20-day long 'Chillai-Khurd' (small cold) and a 10-day long 'Chillai-Bachha' (baby cold).

However, the winter this season has been dry so far, although there was a spell of early snowfall in the valley in first and second week of November.

The intense cold wave has resulted in freezing of some water bodies, including the fringes of the famous Dal Lake here, and residential water supply pipes in most areas of the city and other towns of the valley.

The prolonged dry spell has resulted in an increase in common ailments like cough, cold and other respiratory problems, especially among children and elderly.

The weatherman has predicted light rain or snowfall at isolated places in the valley and Ladakh region on Sunday and at scattered places across the state next week.

There was a slight respite from the intense cold conditions at most places in Kashmir Valley even as Leh and Kargil in Ladakh region of the state experienced the coldest night of the season, the MET office said on Saturday.

There was a slight respite from the intense cold conditions at most places in Kashmir Valley even as Leh and Kargil in Ladakh region of the state experienced the coldest night of the season, the MET office said on Saturday. The night temperature rose slightly across the valley, except in Kokernag, providing some relief to residents. However, the mercury went down in Ladakh region of the state, an official of the MET Office here said. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, which had experienced the coldest December night in nearly three decades on the previous night at minus 7.7 degrees Celsius, saw the mercury rise half-a-degree to settle at a low of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius last night. However, the official said the night temperature in the city was still over five degrees below normal for this time of the season. He said Qazigund- the gateway town to the valley - in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius, up from minus 6.7 degrees Celsius the previous night. Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6 degrees Celsius last night, the official said. The night temperature in Pahalgam, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath yatra in south Kashmir, settled at a low of minus 8.3 degrees Celsius last night up from minus 9.5 degrees Celsius on the previous night. The official said the ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 7 degrees Celsius, an increase of over two degrees from minus 9.3 degrees Celsius the previous night. Kokernag town in south Kashmir was the only place in the valley where the night temperature dropped last night. The town registered a low of minus 5.8 degrees Celsius as against minus 5.5 degrees Celsius on the previous night. The night temperature in Leh town in Ladakh region of the state dropped over two degrees from the previous night's minus 15.1 degrees Celsius to settle at a low of minus 17.5 degrees Celsius last night, the official said. He said last night was the coldest night of the season so far there and Leh was the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir. The nearby Kargil recorded a low of minus 16.7 degrees Celsius, the official said, adding last night was the coldest night of the season so far there. Kashmir is currently under the grip of 'Chillai-Kalan' the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum and the temperature drops considerably. 'Chillai-Kalan' ends on January 31, but the cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir. The 40-day period is followed by a 20-day long 'Chillai-Khurd' (small cold) and a 10-day long 'Chillai-Bachha' (baby cold). However, the winter this season has been dry so far, although there was a spell of early snowfall in the valley in first and second week of November. The intense cold wave has resulted in freezing of some water bodies, including the fringes of the famous Dal Lake here, and residential water supply pipes in most areas of the city and other towns of the valley. The prolonged dry spell has resulted in an increase in common ailments like cough, cold and other respiratory problems, especially among children and elderly. The weatherman has predicted light rain or snowfall at isolated places in the valley and Ladakh region on Sunday and at scattered places across the state next week.

J&K: Leh, Kargil experience coldest night of season

As the dense fog and cold wave conditions continued to engulf the national capital, several flights and trains coming in and departing from Delhi were delayed on Friday morning causing inconvenience to the passengers.

As many as 14 trains were delayed by over three hours. The list of delayed trains included Barauni-New Delhi Vaishali Express, Mahabodhi Express, Poorva Express, Shiv Ganga Express.

According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), cold wave to severe cold wave conditions will continue to prevail over major parts of Delhi and other northern Indian states including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, north Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Uttar Pradesh for two more days.

The minimum temperature in the national capital is predicted to take a dip by 1 degree Celsius and likely to freeze at 3 degree Celsius on Saturday.

According to the weather forecaster, dense fog was observed at isolated places over Punjab and Chhattisgarh and moderate fog was observed at isolated places over Haryana, Delhi and West Uttar Pradesh at 5.30 am on Friday.

The IMD predicted that dense fog during late night and morning hours is likely to prevail at isolated pockets including Delhi and Chandigarh on December 30 and 31.

Further, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi showed that concentration of both pollutants, Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) and Particulate Matter 10 (PM 10), is in the "poor" category.

As the dense fog and cold wave conditions continued to engulf the national capital, several flights and trains coming in and departing from Delhi were delayed on Friday morning causing inconvenience to the passengers.

As the dense fog and cold wave conditions continued to engulf the national capital, several flights and trains coming in and departing from Delhi were delayed on Friday morning causing inconvenience to the passengers. As many as 14 trains were delayed by over three hours. The list of delayed trains included Barauni-New Delhi Vaishali Express, Mahabodhi Express, Poorva Express, Shiv Ganga Express. According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), cold wave to severe cold wave conditions will continue to prevail over major parts of Delhi and other northern Indian states including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, north Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Uttar Pradesh for two more days. The minimum temperature in the national capital is predicted to take a dip by 1 degree Celsius and likely to freeze at 3 degree Celsius on Saturday. According to the weather forecaster, dense fog was observed at isolated places over Punjab and Chhattisgarh and moderate fog was observed at isolated places over Haryana, Delhi and West Uttar Pradesh at 5.30 am on Friday. The IMD predicted that dense fog during late night and morning hours is likely to prevail at isolated pockets including Delhi and Chandigarh on December 30 and 31. Further, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi showed that concentration of both pollutants, Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) and Particulate Matter 10 (PM 10), is in the "poor" category.

Dense fog grips Delhi; hampers train, flight services

The National capital on Thursday recorded a minimum temperature of 3.7 degrees Celsius, which was four notches below the season's average, the India Meteorological Department said.

The maximum temperature is expected to rise to 21 degrees during the day, officials from the weather department noted.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The level of humidity recorded at around 8:30 am today was 97 per cent while the visibility in the morning was 800 metres.

The overall air quality in the city on Thursday was recorded at "very poor", the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) said.

Delhi on Wednesday recorded the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-records-coldest-day-of-the-month-mercury-dips-to-3-degrees-186552">lowest temperature for the season</a>&nbsp;at 3.6 degrees Celsius.

Delhi has been reeling under a cold wave for the past few days. The temperature is expected to dip further to as low as 3.0 degrees Celsius after December 28.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The National capital on Thursday recorded a minimum temperature of 3.7 degrees Celsius, which was four notches below the season's average, the India Meteorological Department said.

The National capital on Thursday recorded a minimum temperature of 3.7 degrees Celsius, which was four notches below the season's average, the India Meteorological Department said. The maximum temperature is expected to rise to 21 degrees during the day, officials from the weather department noted. The level of humidity recorded at around 8:30 am today was 97 per cent while the visibility in the morning was 800 metres. The overall air quality in the city on Thursday was recorded at "very poor", the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) said. Delhi on Wednesday recorded the lowest temperature for the season at 3.6 degrees Celsius. Delhi has been reeling under a cold wave for the past few days. The temperature is expected to dip further to as low as 3.0 degrees Celsius after December 28. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi continues to grapple with dip in temperature, 'poor' air quality

With a single day rain showers on January 23-24, this year&#39;s January has been recorded as the driest since 1901.

While the average rainfall for the month across India is 19.22 mm, January 2018 received only 2.2 mm average rain till January 24.&nbsp;

Also, the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted no rain in the near future.&nbsp;

The driest January before this was recorded in 2007 with 2.8 mm.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the path of western disturbance which is responsible for getting cold and wet weather into north India has been more northerly than usual.

The first ever rainfall was recorded from 1901.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

While the average rainfall for the month across India is 19.22 mm, January 2018 received only 2.2 mm average rain till January 24

With a single day rain showers on January 23-24, this year's January has been recorded as the driest since 1901. While the average rainfall for the month across India is 19.22 mm, January 2018 received only 2.2 mm average rain till January 24. Also, the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted no rain in the near future. The driest January before this was recorded in 2007 with 2.8 mm. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the path of western disturbance which is responsible for getting cold and wet weather into north India has been more northerly than usual. The first ever rainfall was recorded from 1901.

This January may turn out to be driest in 117 years

The country will celebrate the beginning of the harvest season on January 13 by observing the festival of harvest.

The day marks the end of the winter season. From this day onwards the sun starts shifting towards the northern hemisphere.

The day also marks the passing of winter solstice, astronomical phenomena marking shorter days and longer nights.&nbsp;

Lohri is majorly celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus from Punjab.&nbsp;

The people celebrate the harvest season and the passing of winters&nbsp;by performing a puja parikrama around bonfire and distribution of Prasad. They offer prayer to the Agni for providing abundant crops and prosperity.&nbsp;

The day falls on January 13 every year, a day before the Makar Sankranti and Pongal.

The festival is also celebrated by a section of Sikhs, Punjabi Muslims and Christians in Pakistan as well.&nbsp;

The day marks the end of the winter season. From this day onwards the sun starts shifting towards the northern hemisphere

The country will celebrate the beginning of the harvest season on January 13 by observing the festival of harvest. The day marks the end of the winter season. From this day onwards the sun starts shifting towards the northern hemisphere. The day also marks the passing of winter solstice, astronomical phenomena marking shorter days and longer nights. Lohri is majorly celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus from Punjab. The people celebrate the harvest season and the passing of winters by performing a puja parikrama around bonfire and distribution of Prasad. They offer prayer to the Agni for providing abundant crops and prosperity. The day falls on January 13 every year, a day before the Makar Sankranti and Pongal. The festival is also celebrated by a section of Sikhs, Punjabi Muslims and Christians in Pakistan as well.

North India bids adieu to winters with the harvest festival 'Lohri'

After being hit by the worst smog in years, New Delhi today saw thick fog following a couple of weeks of clear weather.

Thursday&#39;s fog affected in the Indian capital and nearby regions affected road, rail and air travel.

The visibility was below 50 metres (55 yards) early morning, leading to the Indira Gandhi International Airport suspending operations. Around four domestic flights were diverted in the morning.

&quot;There was dense fog during the night which caused a lot of problems. It is natural and can lead to accidents on the road,&quot; said passenger Ravinder Singh, flying to Sydney via Bangkok, told Reuters.

Northern railways informed that 50 trains were running late.

The fog is expected to persist for a week, weather forecasters said.

North India, and in particular New Delhi, suffers from a temperature inversion at this time of year that traps air pollution.

The US&nbsp;Embassy&#39;s monitoring station recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 297 that is classified as &quot;very unhealthy&quot;.

It, however, was not as bad as readings that approached 1,000, which is way off the AQI scale that runs to 500, during the first week of November, caused by firecrackers during the Diwali festival and burning of crop stubble in nearby regions.

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

North India, and in particular New Delhi, suffers from a temperature inversion at this time of year that traps air pollution

After being hit by the worst smog in years, New Delhi today saw thick fog following a couple of weeks of clear weather. Thursday's fog affected in the Indian capital and nearby regions affected road, rail and air travel. The visibility was below 50 metres (55 yards) early morning, leading to the Indira Gandhi International Airport suspending operations. Around four domestic flights were diverted in the morning. "There was dense fog during the night which caused a lot of problems. It is natural and can lead to accidents on the road," said passenger Ravinder Singh, flying to Sydney via Bangkok, told Reuters. Northern railways informed that 50 trains were running late. The fog is expected to persist for a week, weather forecasters said. North India, and in particular New Delhi, suffers from a temperature inversion at this time of year that traps air pollution. The US Embassy's monitoring station recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 297 that is classified as "very unhealthy". It, however, was not as bad as readings that approached 1,000, which is way off the AQI scale that runs to 500, during the first week of November, caused by firecrackers during the Diwali festival and burning of crop stubble in nearby regions. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

After smog, Indian capital welcomes foggy winters

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