North India Shivers as Severe Cold Wave Triggers IMD Red Alert Across Delhi-NCR and Neighboring States

North India Enters Harshest Winter Phase

North India woke up to bone-chilling temperatures as a severe cold wave swept across the region, marking one of the most intense winter spells recorded this early in the season. Cold northwesterly winds from snow-covered Himalayan regions triggered a sharp temperature plunge across plains, while dense fog blanketed large stretches from Punjab to Uttar Pradesh.

The IMD confirmed that minimum temperatures across Delhi, Gurugram, Hisar, Amritsar, Bikaner, Jaipur, and Agra fell several degrees below normal, with many areas recording their lowest readings in over a decade.

Red Alert Issued for Multiple States

The IMD issued a rare **Red Alert**—its highest severity warning—for Delhi-NCR, parts of Punjab, Haryana, and northern Rajasthan, urging citizens to avoid early morning exposure and take precautions against prolonged cold.

According to the advisory, vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and those with chronic respiratory or cardiac conditions face heightened risk due to persistent low temperatures combined with high humidity and stagnant fog.

Record Lows Reported Across Delhi-NCR

Several weather stations across the capital recorded temperatures close to or below 4°C. Ridge, Ayanagar, and Narela reported some of the steepest drops. Gurugram and Faridabad saw daytime temperatures remaining unusually low, with “cold day to severe cold day” conditions persisting throughout the week.

The combination of cold air, wind chill, and dense fog further reduced the “feels-like” temperature by 2–3°C across most NCR regions.

How the Cold Wave Formed

Meteorologists attribute the cold wave to three major factors:

• Fresh snowfall in upper Himalayas strengthening cold winds moving toward northern plains.
• Clear night skies, causing rapid radiational cooling.
• Persistent fog layers trapping cold air near the surface, preventing daytime warming.

The IMD warned that these conditions are likely to persist for at least 3–4 more days.

Dense Fog Disrupts Daily Life

Fog conditions remained severe across major cities, reducing visibility in many areas to less than 50 meters during early morning hours. The poor visibility caused widespread disruption:

• Delayed flights at Delhi, Jaipur, and Chandigarh.
• Dozens of trains running late by several hours.
• Highway pileups and traffic slowdowns on major expressways.
• Suspension of early-morning school assemblies and outdoor activities.

Commuters described the fog as “white walls,” navigating slowly through near-zero visibility on arterial roads.

Health Impact: Hospitals See Rise in Cases

Hospitals across Delhi-NCR reported spikes in winter-related health complications such as:

• Respiratory infections and viral fevers.
• Asthma and COPD flare-ups.
• Hypothermia among vulnerable populations.
• Joint pain and blood-pressure fluctuations among seniors.

Doctors advised residents to keep homes ventilated but warm, avoid sudden temperature changes, and stay hydrated despite cold conditions.

Homeless Population Faces Harsh Conditions

The cold wave has hit homeless communities particularly hard. Shelters in Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida have reached near full capacity as temperatures dipped sharply during night hours. NGOs and local administrations distributed blankets, warm clothing, and hot meals.

Night shelters in areas like Sarai Kale Khan, Kashmere Gate, and Old Delhi reported an unexpected rise in footfall.

Schools Issue Winter Safety Advisories

Several schools across NCR revised timing to later starts and suspended outdoor sports and morning assemblies. Some state education departments indicated that extended winter vacations may be considered if temperatures drop further.

Transport Services Under Stress

Massive fog triggered chaos at transportation hubs. Dozens of domestic and international flights from Delhi’s IGI Airport experienced delays and last-minute gate changes. Railway stations saw large crowds as trains were rescheduled or slowed down due to foggy tracks.

Cold Wave Hits Agriculture Hard

Farmers across Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh expressed concern over crop damage due to extreme cold. Mustard, potato, and winter vegetable crops are particularly vulnerable. Experts recommended protective irrigation and frost management techniques.

Power Demand Surges

Electricity consumption soared as households used heaters, geysers, and heating appliances for prolonged hours. Power utilities across Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab assured uninterrupted supply but warned of temporary local outages due to overload.

Winter Shelters Strengthened

State governments rolled out rapid-response measures including:

• Mobile vans distributing blankets.
• Emergency heating facilities in shelters.
• Firewood supply for rural communities.
• Street outreach teams visiting vulnerable clusters.

Cold Wave and Air Pollution: A Dangerous Mix

The cold wave coincides with elevated air pollution levels across NCR, worsening respiratory health risks. Stagnant fog layers trap particulate matter close to the ground, creating prolonged periods of smog.

Air quality monitors across Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad recorded “Very Poor” to “Severe” levels throughout the week.

Weather Forecast for the Coming Days

The IMD predicts that the cold wave will persist with minimal relief. Dense to very dense fog is expected during early mornings and late nights. Daytime temperatures may remain below normal for at least 72 more hours.

Western Disturbances may bring slight warming next week, but no major improvement is expected immediately.

Precautions Suggested by Health Authorities

Authorities urged residents to:

• Avoid early-morning jogs and bike rides.
• Wear layered clothing to retain body heat.
• Use masks to prevent cold air inhalation.
• Stay indoors during peak fog hours.
• Ensure proper ventilation when using room heaters.

Daily Life Continues Despite Harsh Weather

Despite severe conditions, life in the capital continues. Early morning tea stalls remain crowded with people warming their hands over coal stoves. Office-goers wrapped in mufflers, gloves, and jackets move through the foggy streets. Street vendors light small fires to endure long working hours.

City buses and autos operate slowly, their headlights cutting through dense fog like narrow beams.

The Psychological Impact of Harsh Winters

Mental health experts note increased cases of seasonal depression, lethargy, and anxiety during prolonged cold spells. Reduced sunlight exposure and restricted outdoor movement can heighten mood fluctuations.

Conclusion: Winter Shows No Sign of Relenting

As North India confronts one of its harshest cold waves in recent memory, the region prepares for continued challenges in the days ahead. Authorities monitor conditions closely while citizens adapt to biting winds, fog-filled mornings, and health risks.

For now, the cold wave stands as a stark reminder of the unpredictable extremities of North Indian weather — demanding preparedness, resilience, and community support.