Haryana Braces for Intense Cold Wave: Orange Alert in 16 Districts, AQI Worsens

• Haryana faces an intensifying cold wave from December 22, with temperatures dropping sharply and an Orange Alert issued for 16 districts.
• Dense fog has gripped the state, reducing visibility to zero; Jind recorded 5.2°C on Dec 20, and Christmas Day may see 4°C in North Haryana.
• Light rain is expected from December 22, followed by clear weather from Dec 23, but night temperatures will fall further, with frost risk.
• AQI levels have significantly deteriorated; Gurugram recorded 360, Faridabad 275, and Ambala 248, while Delhi's AQI was 517.
• Farmers are advised to irrigate wheat and mustard crops in the afternoon, with light irrigation for mustard to prevent water stagnation.

Why It Matters: Haryana is bracing for a severe cold wave, dense fog, and deteriorating AQI, with alerts issued and precautions advised.