Severe Cold Wave Grips North India; Temperatures May Plummet to 2°C

North India continues to reel under apunishing cold wave, with temperatures in some areas expected to drop as low as2°Ctoday. TheIndia Meteorological Department (IMD)has issued alerts for several states, warning that the combination of“severe cold wave” conditions and dense to very dense fogwill disrupt daily life across the northwest.

According to the latest IMD bulletin, regions inRajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Himachal Pradeshwill experience the harshest cold on January 12. In Delhi, minimum temperatures are expected to range between2°C and 4°C.

Weather expertDevendra Tripathi, founder of Mausam Tak, noted the widespread reach of this cold wave:“The cold wave in the north is extending to Kutch in Gujarat, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Many areas in Kutch, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar are experiencing biting cold.”

Dense fogis also reducing visibility in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, raising concerns overhazardous driving conditions and potential power line disruptions.

While the north shivers, southern India continues to experience relatively milder conditions. Meteorologists note thatglobal weather patterns are shifting: currentLa Niña conditions, which have influenced Indian winters, are expected to dissipate by early spring 2026. This could pave the way for anEl Niño return during the monsoon, potentially impacting rainfall patterns across the subcontinent.

TheIMD advises residentsin cold-hit areas to wear multiple layers of woollen clothing and limit outdoor activities to prevent frostbite.