North India Cold: Red Alert Issued as Cold Wave Intensifies

Large parts of northern India are bracing for an intensification of the ongoing cold wave, with temperatures expected to dip further on Tuesday. Weather authorities have issued a red alert for severe cold wave conditions and dense to very dense fog in several northwestern states, warning of disruptions to daily life, transport, and public health.

The national capital witnessed its coldest morning of the season, with the minimum temperature plunging to 3.2 degrees Celsius, signalling the onset of one of the harshest winter spells this year. Similar conditions have been recorded across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and parts of Uttar Pradesh, as icy winds, clear night skies and persistent fog combine to drive temperatures down sharply.

North India Remains in Grip of Severe Cold

According to the India Meteorological Department, severe cold wave conditions are likely to persist across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan and adjoining regions. A red alert has been issued for Punjab and Haryana for January 12 and 13, following reports of near-freezing temperatures across several districts.

Cities such as Bathinda, Amritsar and Faridkot in Punjab recorded minimum temperatures close to zero, while parts of Haryana, including Gurugram, Sonipat and Sirsa, also experienced freezing conditions. In Rajasthan, northern districts such as Ganganagar and Hanumangarh continue to report intense cold accompanied by thick fog.

Dense Fog to Disrupt Visibility

Dense to very dense fog is expected to persist across large stretches of north and northwest India, particularly during late night and early morning hours. Reduced visibility is likely in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, increasing the risk of road, rail and flight disruptions.

Meteorologists have warned that fog patches may extend into central India as well, affecting regions of Madhya Pradesh and adjoining states. The combination of low temperatures and high moisture content in the air is expected to prolong foggy conditions over the next few days.

Cold Wave Expands to Central and Eastern India

Beyond the northwest, the cold wave is expected to spread across central and eastern states, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Gujarat and parts of Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region. Night temperatures in these areas are forecast to remain below seasonal averages, intensifying the winter chill.

Authorities have advised residents, particularly the elderly, children and those with respiratory conditions, to take precautions as prolonged exposure to cold can pose serious health risks.

Rain Likely in Southern States

While northern India shivers under extreme cold, southern states are expected to see a contrasting weather pattern. Light to moderate rainfall is likely in parts of coastal Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Lakshadweep and Puducherry over the next 24 to 48 hours due to cloud formation over the Arabian Sea and adjoining regions.

Parts of Maharashtra, including Konkan and Marathwada regions, may also witness isolated showers. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are expected to remain largely dry.

What Lies Ahead

The red alert for northwestern states is expected to be downgraded to a yellow alert after January 13, though cold conditions are likely to persist until at least January 17. Weather officials have urged state administrations to remain prepared, particularly in fog-prone and frost-affected regions.

As winter tightens its grip, authorities are closely monitoring conditions to minimise disruptions and ensure public safety across both cold-hit and rain-affected regions of the country.