Hyderabad braces for eight chilly days, foggy mornings ahead
Hyderabad residents are already feeling the chill as minimum temperatures dip below 15°C across many neighbourhoods, bringing colder mornings and cozy evenings.
Hyderabad is once again preparing to face a familiar January chill as the city braces for nearly eight days of intense winter conditions, accompanied by hazy skies and foggy mornings. According to forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the coming week is likely to test residents’ tolerance for cold, particularly during the early morning and late-night hours.
Over the past few days, the city has already begun feeling the bite of winter. Minimum temperatures have dropped below 15 degrees Celsius in several parts of Hyderabad, signaling the arrival of a colder phase. Localities such as Tirumalagiri, Asifnagar, Maredpally, Bahadurpura and Shaikpet have recorded noticeably low night temperatures, leaving residents reaching for extra layers earlier than usual. Morning walks now come with visible breath, and evenings feel sharper, especially in open and low-lying areas.
The cold spell is not limited to Hyderabad alone. Several districts across Telangana are experiencing even lower temperatures. In some regions, minimum temperatures have fallen below 11 degrees Celsius, highlighting the intensity of the winter conditions across the state. Sangareddy district recorded the lowest temperature so far at 10.5 degrees Celsius, making it one of the coldest spots in Telangana this season. Farmers, daily wage workers and early-morning commuters in these areas are particularly feeling the impact.
Adding to these forecasts, Telangana-based weather observer Balaji, known for his relatively accurate predictions, has warned of a second cold wave expected to affect the state between January 5 and January 12. According to his assessment, night temperatures are likely to dip further during this period, intensifying the winter experience for residents. He has also indicated that even daytime temperatures may remain subdued, dropping to around 25 degrees Celsius, which is cooler than the seasonal average for Hyderabad.
While daytime weather may still feel comfortable to some, the contrast between sunny afternoons and cold nights is expected to be sharp. This fluctuation can often catch people off guard, especially children and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to seasonal illnesses. Doctors often advise maintaining warmth during early mornings and late evenings, even if afternoons feel relatively mild.
Fog and haze are another concern during this period. According to both IMD forecasts and independent weather observations, hazy and foggy conditions are likely to persist across Telangana, including Hyderabad. The IMD has predicted fog or mist during night and early morning hours in the city until at least January 8. While this may add a wintery charm to mornings, it also poses challenges for commuters and travelers.
Reduced visibility during foggy hours can make driving risky, particularly on highways, flyovers and areas near lakes or open land. Traffic police often urge motorists to use headlights responsibly, maintain safe distances and avoid speeding during such conditions. Pedestrians and two-wheeler riders are also advised to take extra caution during early morning travel.
Despite the drop in temperatures and the forecast of prolonged cold conditions, the IMD Hyderabad has not issued any official winter or cold wave alert for the city so far. Weather officials note that while temperatures are lower than usual, they have not yet crossed the thresholds that typically trigger formal warnings. However, they continue to monitor the situation closely, especially as January is historically one of the coldest months for the region.
For many Hyderabad residents, the return of winter brings mixed emotions. While some enjoy the cooler weather as a welcome break from the city’s long summers, others find the cold mornings difficult, particularly those who work outdoors or start their day early. Street vendors, sanitation workers and security guards are among those most affected, often spending long hours exposed to the cold.
Health experts suggest simple precautions during this period, such as staying hydrated, wearing layered clothing and avoiding sudden exposure to cold air, especially late at night. Foggy conditions can also aggravate respiratory issues for some individuals, making it important to stay indoors during peak haze hours whenever possible.
As the city prepares for the coming days, residents are being advised to plan their travel carefully, especially during late-night and early-morning hours. With chilly winds, dipping temperatures and foggy skies expected to continue, Hyderabad’s winter is set to make its presence felt—quietly, steadily and unmistakably—over the next week.