PRAYAGRAJ: Sangam City is shivering under a severe cold wave, with the maximum temperature dipping to 11.4 degrees Celsius, 10.5 notches below normal on Thursday, making it possibly the coldest day in several years. A day earlier on Wednesday, the maximum temperature stood at 17.5 degrees Celsius, while the minimum was 9.2 degrees Celsius, highlighting the sharp drop in mercury within a span of 24 hours.The Sangam City continued to reel under intense cold conditions on Thursday, which also marked the lowest minimum temperature of the winter season so far. The mercury plummeted to 6 degrees Celsius.The city is experiencing a familiar chill, with a minimum temperature of 6 degrees Celsius, similar to the January 2024 reading. However, the city witnessed its coldest day in the past decade which coincidently was on Jan 8, 2023, when the temperature dropped to 3.2 degrees Celsius, marking one of the harshest winters in recent years.Prayagraj is experiencing a double whammy of cold and humidity, with the maximum humidity level hitting 100% and the minimum at 80%. This is making the chilly weather even more unbearable.Dense fog during the early morning hours, coupled with high humidity levels, further aggravated the cold conditions. Sunshine remained elusive for most of the day, preventing any significant temperature rise. As a result, roads wore a deserted look. Parks and open spaces also recorded minimal footfall, as residents preferred to remain indoors.Dense fog also disrupted rail services, with several trains running behind schedule. Important long-distance trains, including the Prayagraj Express and Humsafar Express, arrived late by several hours, causing inconvenience to passengers.Explaining the reason behind the sudden drop in temperature, SK Agnihotry, Meteorologist-B, said, “The intense cold is primarily due to heavy snowfall in the Himalayan region. Cold and moisture-laden winds blowing from the western direction are causing a sharp fall in temperature across the plains, including Prayagraj. These conditions are likely to persist for the next few days.”In view of the prevailing cold wave and to safeguard students’ health, the district administration has ordered the closure of all schools in Prayagraj until Jan 10. Parents and educators welcomed the decision, citing health risks posed by low temperatures, dense fog, and reduced visibility during morning hours. Weather experts have advised residents, especially the elderly and children, to avoid early morning exposure, wear adequate warm clothing, and remain alert as cold wave conditions continued to grip the region.Despite the severe weather, lakhs of devotees and Kalpwasis camping in the Magh Mela area continued to adhere to their religious traditions. A large number of devotees are taking holy dips at the Sangam during the early morning hours, undeterred by the biting cold. Kalpwasis staying in temporary tents arranged makeshift heating and bonfires to cope with the chill. Daily rituals, prayers, and spiritual discourses are continuing uninterrupted, reflecting the deep faith and resilience of pilgrims who consider enduring hardship an essential part of their sacred observance during the Magh Mela.
