New Delhi: A biting cold wave swept across north India on Tuesday, sending temperatures plunging and blanketing vast stretches of the region in dense fog, with Delhi recording its lowest minimum of the season at around 3.2°C. The sharp drop in mercury brought winter to its harshest phase so far, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue fresh alerts and warn of more chilly days ahead.
In the national capital, early morning hours were marked by piercing cold and low visibility as fog engulfed major arterial roads. The minimum temperature was several degrees below the seasonal average, while the maximum struggled to rise, keeping the day uncomfortably cold. The IMD placed parts of Delhi-NCR under an orange alert, cautioning residents against prolonged exposure to the cold, particularly during late night and early morning hours.
The cold wave intensified across the northern plains, with Punjab and Haryana bearing the brunt. Several areas in the two states reported near-freezing temperatures, with the IMD issuing a red warning for severe cold wave and dense fog. Visibility dropped sharply in many pockets, affecting road, rail and air traffic, even as frost-like conditions were reported in some rural areas.
Dense to very dense fog was observed over parts of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, while patchy fog extended across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. Meteorologists said the prevailing north-westerly winds and clear night skies were contributing to rapid heat loss, pushing night temperatures further down.
The chill was not limited to the plains. Parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand also witnessed sub-normal temperatures, with the IMD warning of cold to severe cold wave conditions in isolated areas over the next few days.
Adding to the discomfort in urban centres like Delhi was poor air quality, which remained in the ‘very poor’ category, raising health concerns, especially for the elderly and those with respiratory ailments.
According to the IMD, while a marginal rise in minimum temperatures may begin mid-week, cold wave and foggy conditions are likely to persist in pockets of north India for the next few days. Authorities have advised people to remain cautious, avoid early morning travel where possible and stay updated with weather advisories as the region navigates one of the coldest spells of the season.
BI Bureau
