Delhi Records 3.2°C as Season’s Coldest Wave Grips North India

Northern India is witnessing its harshest winter phase of the season, with Delhi recording a minimum temperature of just 3.2 degrees Celsius on Monday — the lowest so far this winter. The biting cold, accompanied by dense fog, has disrupted daily life across multiple states and prompted weather alerts, school closures, and safety advisories.

According to the India Meteorological Department, cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are expected to persist in isolated pockets of northern India over the next several days. Minimum temperatures across Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are forecast to remain 3 to 5 degrees below normal before a marginal rise later in the week.

Cold Wave Tightens Grip Across Northern States

Large parts of north India continue to reel under freezing conditions. Sub-zero temperatures have been reported from the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand, while plains in Punjab and Haryana hovered dangerously close to the freezing mark.

In Punjab, Bathinda recorded a low of 1.6 degrees Celsius, Hisar dropped to 2.2 degrees, and Narnaul touched 3 degrees. Cities including Amritsar, Patiala, Ludhiana, and Gurdaspur also experienced sharply reduced temperatures, with dense fog severely affecting early morning visibility. Chandigarh registered a minimum of 5 degrees Celsius, while parts of Haryana such as Rohtak and Faridabad dipped below 5 degrees.

Rajasthan faced some of the most extreme conditions, with Pratapgarh recording minus 2 degrees Celsius and Barmer slipping to minus 1. Several districts reported dense fog and icy winds, intensifying discomfort for residents.

Kashmir Endures ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’ Freeze

The Kashmir Valley remains in the grip of Chilla-i-Kalan, the region’s traditional 40-day harsh winter period. Srinagar registered minus 5.2 degrees Celsius, while Shopian plunged to minus 8.6. Tourist destinations such as Gulmarg and Pahalgam also recorded severe sub-zero temperatures, with water bodies freezing and snow accumulation increasing in higher altitudes.

Schools Shut, Timings Revised

The intense cold has forced authorities in several states to adjust school schedules. In Jharkhand, where temperatures fell below 10 degrees Celsius in multiple districts, schools in Ranchi will remain closed for students up to Class 6 until January 14. Classes for senior students have been rescheduled to begin later in the morning to reduce exposure to extreme cold.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for cold wave conditions in parts of Jharkhand from January 13 to 16, urging residents to take precautions, especially children and the elderly.

Dense Fog Triggers Travel Disruptions

Dense fog continues to blanket large swathes of northwest India and Bihar, significantly reducing visibility and increasing the risk of accidents. In Bihar, poor visibility on highways led to a fatal road accident, highlighting the dangers posed by prolonged foggy conditions.

Weather officials warn that dense fog is likely to persist for the next five days in several regions, affecting road, rail, and air travel.

Outlook Remains Severe

While maximum temperatures are expected to remain near normal in the short term, the prevailing cold wave conditions show little sign of immediate relief. Authorities have urged people to limit outdoor exposure during early morning and late night hours, ensure adequate heating, and follow advisories closely.

As winter tightens its grip, northern India braces for a few more days of intense cold, fog, and disrupted routines before any meaningful respite arrives.