Uttar Pradesh is experiencing a severe cold wave as the New Year begins, with temperatures dropping significantly due to snowfall in nearby hill regions. Several districts recorded minimum temperatures as low as 3 degrees Celsius, colder than popular hill stations. The state capital, Lucknow, saw a low of 7 degrees Celsius. Authorities have issued warnings for dense fog across the state for the next seven days, impacting visibility and causing delays in rail and air traffic. Rainfall is also forecast for 14 districts in western Uttar Pradesh.