Northwest India has been hit by a deadly cold wave. Red and yellow alerts have been issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in a number of locations, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand. Severity and average number of cold waves are increasing day by day due to climate change. Disastrous Weather Event of 2018 issued by India Meteorological Department IMD reported loss of about 280 human lives due to cold wave out of that 135 were from Uttar Pradesh and 121 from Bihar. Additionally, it also caused death or injured to the livestock. During the Rabi cropping season, cold waves cause sudden freeze and frost, which has an impact on crops, horticulture plantations/orchards, and other agricultural support services. Hence Central as well as State Government needs to take necessary action regarding early warnings, alert and in making policies in favor of farmers in case of crop failure due to cold wave.
Cold Wave, Fog, Criteria, Causes, Impact and Warning
