Cold conditions will continue for a couple of more days in the states of Punjab, Haryana, north Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, but overall January is expected to have less colder nights in most parts of the country with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday predicting ‘above-normal’ minimum temperatures during the month.
Though the day (maximum) temperatures may be less (below normal) over many parts of central and northwest India, the probability of cold waves in these areas is less in January. Below-normal cold wave days are expected over most parts of central India during the month of January, said the India Meteorological Department, while releasing its monthly temperature outlook on Monday.
On the other hand, above normal maximum temperatures during the day are likely over most parts of peninsular and northeast India.
As far as rainfall is concerned, the three-month period from January to March this year will see ‘above-normal’ rainfall in the country – a scenario which is considered positive for the standing rabi (winter sown) crops. Seasonal rainfall over the country as a whole during January to March is most likely to be above normal, the India Meteorological Department stated.
