Intensifying Cold Wave Grips North and Central India as Temperatures Plunge Further
A renewed surge of frigid air from the snow-clad Himalayas is strengthening its hold over northern and central India, driving minimum temperatures sharply lower and bringing back intense winter chill.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a western disturbance that recently caused widespread rain and snowfall across higher reaches has now moved away. In its aftermath, cold north-westerly winds are sweeping into the plains, leading to a pronounced drop in nighttime lows and the resurgence of biting cold conditions starting Sunday.
Dense to very dense fog is forecast to reduce visibility during night and early morning hours in parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. Isolated foggy patches are also expected in Himachal Pradesh, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, and Madhya Pradesh. Cold wave conditions are likely in pockets of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Rajasthan, amplifying the discomfort for residents.
The chill is extending southward, with central India set to experience a temperature decline of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius in many areas over the coming days, resulting in colder-than-normal weather deeper into the region.
Meanwhile, the Western Himalayan states—Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand—face another spell of weather activity. The IMD predicts scattered to fairly widespread rainfall and snowfall, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds. Isolated heavy precipitation is possible in some spots, along with light to moderate rain and strong winds in adjoining plains of northwest India and Madhya Pradesh. There is also a chance of isolated hailstorms in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
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In contrast, southern India continues under a wet spell. Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning is likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, with isolated heavy falls possible. Kerala and Mahe may see thunderstorm activity with lightning, maintaining unsettled conditions.
Delhi, the national capital, is bracing for a sharper winter bite after recent rainfall. Partly cloudy skies, shallow to moderate morning fog, and minimum temperatures hovering between 4 and 6 degrees Celsius are expected. The lingering moisture could make the cold feel more piercing despite improved air quality.
The IMD continues to monitor these evolving patterns closely, with alerts issued for deteriorating visibility due to fog and intensifying cold wave conditions in vulnerable pockets. Residents across affected regions are urged to take necessary precautions against the dropping mercury and foggy conditions in the days ahead.