North India braces as intense cold, dense fog returns
Northern India faces severe cold from January 7, with fog, freezing temperatures, and harsh winter conditions spreading widely.
An intense cold wave is set to sweep across large parts of northern India from Tuesday night, bringing with it plunging temperatures, dense fog, and a prolonged spell of severe winter conditions. By 8:30 pm on Tuesday, several cities had already reported temperatures in the single digits, signaling the onset of one of the harshest winter spells the region has witnessed in recent years. Meteorologists have warned that the current cold wave could be comparable to those observed in December 2019 and early 2024, with widespread cold day conditions expected to persist **between.
As the cold began settling in, several northern cities recorded near-freezing conditions well before nightfall. Churu reported 8.6 degrees Celsius, Patiala 9 degrees Celsius, while Delhi, Rohtak, and Kota all logged 9.6 degrees Celsius — nearly 2.6 degrees lower than Delhi’s temperature at the same time a day earlier. Chandigarh stood at 9.8 degrees Celsius, and Amritsar, Ambala, and Hisar hovered around the 10-degree mark. The sharp fall in temperatures, even during the early evening, underscores the severity of the cold wave and the difficult conditions residents are expected to face over the coming week.
Weather experts explained that this sharp drop is part of the build-up to the peak cold wave period, expected from January 8 to January 15. During this time, several stations in Haryana, Punjab, northwest Rajasthan, and parts of Uttar Pradesh may witness what meteorologists describe as “cold blast” conditions, marked by maximum temperatures remaining in the single digits. These conditions are likely to make daytime activities uncomfortable and may increase health risks, particularly for the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
According to Devendra Tripathi, founder of Mausam Tak and a prominent weather vlogger associated with Kisan Tak, daytime temperatures across parts of northern India are expected to remain 4–8 degrees Celsius below normal, resulting in cold day-like conditions that will persist even during daylight hours. High chances of surface-to-high-level fog have also been forecasted, potentially disrupting travel and transportation across the region. Visibility on highways, railways, and airports may be severely reduced, prompting authorities to issue warnings and encourage caution for commuters.
The cold wave comes at a time when northern India is already grappling with winter-related challenges, including rising respiratory illnesses, influenza, and frostbite risks in some areas. Public health experts have urged citizens to take necessary precautions, including wearing warm clothing, limiting exposure to early morning and late-night chill, and ensuring that vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and children, are adequately protected from the extreme cold.
Farmers in the region are also on high alert, as frost and low temperatures can damage standing crops, particularly wheat, vegetables, and horticultural produce. Tripathi highlighted that persistent fog could further impact harvest and transport schedules, adding to the economic stress faced by rural communities already contending with supply chain challenges.
Authorities in cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Patiala have advised residents to remain indoors during peak cold hours, while municipal and state governments are preparing cold shelters and assistance centers to support those without adequate housing or heating facilities. Emergency services have also been alerted to respond swiftly in case of health emergencies, traffic accidents, or fog-related disruptions.
As northern India braces for the next week of severe winter, the message from meteorologists and authorities is clear: extreme caution is necessary, and preparations must be made in advance. With temperatures set to remain far below normal, fog reducing visibility, and cold day conditions likely to persist, the population will need to adapt to one of the harshest spells of winter the region has experienced in recent years.
The cold wave’s timing and intensity serve as a stark reminder of the seasonal challenges in northern India, where sudden plunges in temperature, dense fog, and extended winter conditions can impact daily life, transport, health, and agriculture. Residents are urged to stay informed through weather updates and take every precaution to weather the biting chill that is set to grip the plains in the days ahead.