The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for extreme cold wave conditions set to grip Aizawl and several other districts of Mizoram. The severe weather phenomenon is expected to persist from Tuesday through Saturday, bringing a significant dip in minimum temperatures across the northeastern state.
IMD Forecast and Official Statement
According to the IMD Meteorological Centre in Aizawl, the state capital and surrounding areas could experience minimum temperatures falling to a chilling 4 to 6 degrees Celsius. However, in a conversation with TOI on Tuesday, Sudheer Kumar Dwivedi, the director of IMD in Aizawl, indicated that an improvement in temperatures is anticipated following the cold spell.
Historical data from the IMD reveals a recent cooling trend in Aizawl. The minimum temperature dropped to 7.2 degrees Celsius on January 4 from 9.2 degrees Celsius the previous day. It was recorded at 7.3 degrees Celsius on Monday. A slight respite was noted on Tuesday, with the minimum rising to 9 degrees Celsius and the maximum reaching 19.2 degrees Celsius.
District-Wise Temperature Plunge
The cold wave is not confined to the capital. The IMD's forecast for Wednesday and Thursday predicts Aizawl's maximum temperature at 21 degrees Celsius and the minimum holding at 9 degrees Celsius.
Khawzawl district, located in northeast Mizoram, emerged as the coldest spot in the state. It recorded a minimum of 3.4 degrees Celsius on Tuesday and 4.1 degrees Celsius on Monday, with the maximum staying at 25.4 degrees Celsius on both days. The forecast for Khawzawl for the next two days suggests a minimum of 4 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 25 degrees Celsius.
In the south, Hnahthial district was not far behind, registering a minimum of 6.6 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. The IMD predicts the minimum temperature here will be around 7 degrees Celsius for Wednesday and Thursday.
Residents Advised to Take Precautions
The extended forecast of extreme cold wave conditions prompts authorities to advise residents, especially the vulnerable populations, to take necessary precautions. The sharp drop in temperatures, particularly in districts like Khawzawl, necessitates adequate warmth and shelter to avoid health-related issues commonly associated with such severe cold spells.
As Mizoram prepares for a frigid week, all eyes remain on the IMD updates for any further changes in the weather pattern affecting the region.
