Large parts of northern India are in the grip of an intense cold wave, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing alerts for several states as temperatures plunge to near-freezing levels. The cold conditions are expected to persist, disrupting daily life across the region.
According to the IMD, minimum temperatures in parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh may fall to around 2 degrees Celsius. The department stated that the cold wave spreading from northern regions has extended from Kutch in Gujarat to Punjab and Rajasthan, leading to widespread chilly conditions across north-west India.
Delhi Shivers Under Orange Alert
The national capital witnessed severe cold wave conditions under an Orange Alert, with temperatures dropping to levels not seen in over a decade. Palam recorded a minimum temperature of 3.0 degrees Celsius, the lowest in 13 years. In the NCR region, Rewari reported sub-zero temperatures at –0.6 degrees Celsius, highlighting the severity of the cold spell.
On Sunday, Delhi’s overall minimum temperature stood at 4.8 degrees Celsius, which was 2.6 degrees below normal, while the maximum temperature was recorded at 18.8 degrees Celsius, slightly below the seasonal average. Humidity levels ranged between 53% and 100%, further intensifying the cold.
Among city locations, Ayanagar emerged as the coldest, with a minimum temperature of 2.9 degrees Celsius, followed by Palam, Ridge, and other areas recording temperatures below 4 degrees Celsius. Weather data show that Palam’s temperature was 4.3 degrees below normal, making it the coldest January night there since 2013. The all-time lowest temperature at Palam remains –2.2 degrees Celsius, recorded on January 11, 1967.
Fog Warning in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
In addition to the cold wave, the IMD has issued warnings for dense to very dense fog in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which may significantly reduce visibility, affecting road traffic and potentially causing power disruptions due to line tripping.
Outlook for the Coming Days
The IMD has forecast that cold wave conditions will continue over the next two days. In Delhi, temperatures are expected to range between 4 degrees Celsius (minimum) and 18 degrees Celsius (maximum). As per IMD criteria, a cold wave is declared when the minimum temperature falls 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius below normal, a condition currently prevailing in several parts of north India.
While northern states continue to endure icy conditions, southern regions including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka are likely to experience cloudy weather, offering a contrast to the harsh winter gripping the north.
