Varanasi: A cold wave and severe cold continue to wreak havoc in Uttar Pradesh. Snowfall in the mountains has caused the mercury to drop rapidly. The state is experiencing temperatures colder than Nainital (6°C) and Shimla (11°C).
Twenty-six districts in Uttar Pradesh are colder than Shimla.
Barabanki was the coldest with a minimum temperature of 4.5°C over the past 24 hours. Etawah recorded 6.4°C, Shahjahanpur 6.5°C, and Kanpur and Bulandshahr recorded 7°C.
Deaths Reported Due to Extreme Cold
In Banda, a farmer and a young man died due to the extreme cold. Dr. PK Gupta said the farmer suffered a heart attack due to the cold and died.
Dense Fog Engulfs 40 Districts
Meanwhile, on Monday morning, dense fog enveloped 40 districts, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Barabanki, Ayodhya, and Sultanpur. Visibility dropped to 10 meters in many places. In most areas, the streets were deserted. People were seen warming themselves by bonfires. Those who ventured out for essential purposes remained wrapped in warm clothing.
Daily Life Disrupted, Bonfires Seen Across Cities
Road, rail, and air traffic are also being disrupted. More than 100 trains are running late at several railway stations, including Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, and Etawah. Flights are also delayed at several airports, including Kanpur and Kashi.
Schools Closed, Timings Revised
The government is also on alert. Schools have been closed in Rae Bareli, Sultanpur, Ambedkar Nagar, and Unnao. School timings have been changed in several cities, including Lucknow and Bareilly.
Speed Limits Reduced, Advisory Issued
People have been urged not to leave their homes unnecessarily. The speed limit on highways has been reduced to between 60 and 80 mph. Farmers say the fog is good for the wheat crop, but potatoes, pulses, and peas are suffering.