India News : Severe cold, dense fog, and cold wave conditions continue to affect large parts of north and north-west India, disrupting daily life. According to the latest forecast by the Meteorological Department, cold wave and dense fog conditions are likely to persist till January 17, with no immediate relief in sight.
Icy winds have intensified the chill, while temperatures in several hill states remain below freezing point. The prolonged spell of cold has forced people indoors and impacted road, rail, and air traffic in many regions.
Delhi Records Coldest Morning of the Season
The national capital Delhi witnessed its coldest morning of the season on Saturday, prompting the weather department to issue a yellow alert for the next two days.
Data shows that the minimum temperature dropped to 4.2°C, which is 2.7 degrees below normal. Over the last four days alone, Delhi’s minimum temperature has fallen by nearly 4 degrees, intensifying the cold wave conditions across the city.
Cold Day Conditions in Multiple States
Along with Delhi, Rajasthan and Bihar experienced cold day-like conditions in several districts. States such as Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha are also under the grip of a severe cold wave, forcing residents to limit outdoor movement.
In the hilly regions of Uttarakhand, frost has further worsened conditions, adding to the challenges faced by locals.
Dense Fog Reduces Visibility
In areas like Palam, morning visibility dropped to as low as 50 metres, severely affecting transportation. Although sunshine later pushed the maximum temperature up to 20.2°C, the relief was only temporary.
Weather Outlook Till January 17
Weather experts have warned that cold day conditions are likely on Sunday in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, West Bengal, and Sikkim.
Between January 12 and 17, parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh may witness very dense fog, increasing the risk of travel disruptions.
Meteorologists explained that earlier cloud cover and fog kept daytime temperatures low. Now, with clearer skies, night-time temperatures are dropping sharply, intensifying cold wave conditions across the plains of north India.
No Immediate Relief Expected
According to the forecast, no significant relief from the cold is expected over the next week in the northern plains. People have been advised to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel during foggy hours, and follow advisories issued by local authorities.
