New Delhi – Delhi continued to shiver on Wednesday as the city recorded a minimum temperature of 3.8 degrees Celsius, slightly higher than Tuesday’s 3°C but still far below normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Dense fog blanketed parts of the national capital and adjoining areas, including Uttar Pradesh’s Noida and Ghaziabad, intensifying the challenges posed by the ongoing cold wave.

Tuesday’s low of 3°C, recorded at the Safdarjung observatory, marked the coldest January morning in three years. The only colder January low in recent memory was 2.6°C on January 18, 2023. The minimum temperature on Wednesday remained 3.6 degrees below the seasonal average, while the maximum was expected to reach around 20°C, offering only limited respite from the chilly conditions.

The IMD issued an “orange alert” for cold wave conditions on Wednesday, warning residents—particularly the elderly, children, and those with existing health conditions—about the risks of prolonged exposure to cold. Health advisories recommended wearing warm clothing, limiting outdoor activity in the early morning and late evening hours, and taking precautions against frostbite and hypothermia.

Some Relief Expected Later This Week

Meteorologists forecast that the ongoing cold wave may ease slightly with the approach of a “feeble western disturbance,” expected to gradually raise nighttime temperatures from Thursday onward. However, experts caution that while temperatures may climb modestly, mornings and late nights will remain cold, and fog may persist in low-lying areas.

The cold spell has not been limited to Delhi alone. Haryana’s Gurugram experienced its coldest morning of the season on Monday, with temperatures plunging to 0.6°C. By Tuesday, the mercury climbed slightly to 3.2°C, offering a small reprieve. Residents in peripheral areas such as Sohna and Manesar reported frost on vehicles, thin layers of ice on open fields, and the formation of frost on crops and grasslands. The IMD had also issued dense to very dense fog warnings for isolated pockets in the district, affecting visibility and road safety.

Impact Across the NCR

The persistent cold wave has affected not only daily life but also transportation and outdoor activities. Dense fog in Delhi and neighboring cities has reduced visibility on highways and arterial roads, leading to slower traffic and caution among drivers. Residents have reported icy patches on vehicles and roads, while pedestrians have been forced to bundle up in multiple layers to protect against the piercing chill.

Experts note that the ongoing cold snap is partly due to clear skies over the plains, allowing strong radiative cooling at night, coupled with cold northwesterly winds sweeping across the region. In contrast, hill stations such as Mussoorie and Shimla, though traditionally colder, have experienced comparatively higher minimum temperatures due to cloud cover associated with western disturbances, which prevents heat from escaping at night.

The IMD continues to monitor weather conditions closely and has urged the public to stay updated on alerts. Residents are advised to take precautions, including using adequate heating at home, ensuring proper insulation for vulnerable family members, and avoiding prolonged exposure outdoors during peak cold hours.

As Delhi and the surrounding NCR brace for another cold morning, the prolonged chill highlights the challenges posed by winter conditions in the plains. While the forecast suggests slight warming later in the week, residents remain on alert, navigating frost, fog, and subnormal temperatures that have made the current cold spell one of the harshest in recent years.

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