Residents of Lucknow can look forward to a relatively warmer start to 2025, with the dense fog and biting cold nights expected to ease significantly in the first week of January. This change offers a reprieve for those planning late-night New Year celebrations.
Weather Shift Driven by Western Disturbance
Senior scientist at the state meteorological department, Mohammad Danish, explained that a western disturbance (WD) currently over Afghanistan is the primary reason for this shift. This system will disrupt the flow of icy winds from the snow-capped mountains towards the plains, leading to an abatement of the intense chill.
"Moisture-laden easterly winds will dominate, resulting in a rise in mercury levels by a couple of degrees during the night; hence, minimum temperatures will rise," Danish stated. He added that this WD will simultaneously cause heavy snowfall in the hilly regions, which further blocks the cold winds from reaching cities like Lucknow.
Specific Forecast for New Year's Day
The forecast for January 1, Thursday, indicates a notable rise in night temperatures. "The maximum temperature on Jan 1 is expected to be around 19 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature will be 11 degrees Celsius," said Danish.
Weather officials predict moderate to shallow fog during the morning hours, a significant improvement from the recent dense fog. Day temperatures are likely to remain stable, but the key change will be the less freezing conditions at night, making outdoor plans more comfortable.
Air Quality Deteriorates to 'Poor'
While the cold may lessen, air quality remains a concern. On the eve of the new year, Wednesday, Lucknow's air quality index (AQI) slipped into the 'poor' category, recorded at 214. This marked the second consecutive day the city's AQI crossed the 200 mark, following a reading of 204 on Tuesday.
Temporary Relief Expected
Danish cautioned that the warmer spell is likely to be temporary. "Once the WD fizzles out, the temperatures will drop again," he added. This means residents should enjoy the brief respite from the severe cold while it lasts.
This forecast provides crucial information for Lucknow's citizens planning their New Year's Eve and first-week activities, allowing them to prepare for milder nights and persistent morning fog while remaining cautious about the poor air quality.
