New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a cold wave warning for several parts of north and central India, as temperatures across the region continue to dip to seasonal lows. The advisory comes amid already chilly conditions in northern and Himalayan states, where residents have been experiencing unusually cold days over the past week.

In its bulletin, the IMD stated that cold wave conditions are very likely over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Odisha from January 7 to January 9. In addition, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh are also expected to experience cold wave conditions during the week.

The weather department also highlighted that “cold day conditions” are likely over several states in the coming days. Specifically, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh are expected to experience cold days on January 6 and 7; Delhi, western Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh on January 6; eastern Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Sikkim during January 6 to 8; and Jharkhand on January 6, 2026.

Dense fog is also forecast to continue during morning hours over northwest, central, east, and northeast India for the next five to seven days. The IMD bulletin mentioned, “Dense to very dense fog conditions very likely to prevail in morning hours in some parts over Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh during January 7-9, and dense fog in isolated pockets for subsequent four days.” Such conditions are expected to affect visibility, transportation, and daily life in these regions.

Jharkhand has been particularly affected, with the mercury dropping below 10 degrees Celsius in 10 districts on Tuesday. Districts including Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, and Chatra have been placed under a ‘yellow’ alert, indicating that cold wave conditions are likely to persist at least until January 7. Local authorities have been advised to take precautions for vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, who are most at risk from extreme cold.

In West Bengal, Kolkata recorded its coldest day of January at 10.2 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, according to IMD data. This marks a rare low, as the city’s minimum temperature in January had fallen below 11 degrees Celsius only once in the past 15 years, in 2023, when it dipped to 10.9 degrees Celsius. The IMD forecast noted that the chill is expected to intensify across southern West Bengal over the next few days, potentially affecting daily life and energy consumption in the state.

The cold wave and dense fog warnings issued by the IMD underscore the need for citizens to take precautionary measures. Authorities have advised people to avoid prolonged exposure to cold, wear warm clothing, and take special care of children, senior citizens, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Farmers are also being advised to protect livestock and crops from freezing temperatures.

The IMD’s warning is part of ongoing monitoring of winter weather patterns, which have shown an intensification of cold spells in north and central India in recent years. Experts attribute these extreme conditions to shifting climatic patterns, including delayed western disturbances and persistent cold winds from the Himalayas, which exacerbate cold wave situations in the plains.

In addition to Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and West Bengal, states including Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha are likely to face prolonged cold conditions, with daytime temperatures remaining lower than average. Residents have been warned to exercise caution while traveling, particularly in fog-affected areas where visibility may drop significantly, increasing the risk of road accidents.

The IMD’s advisory highlights the combination of cold wave conditions and dense fog as a significant weather concern across the country, particularly affecting the morning commute and agricultural activities. Authorities are coordinating with local administrations to ensure that precautionary measures are implemented efficiently, including early warnings and public advisories for affected districts.

As the cold wave persists, it is expected to bring temporary relief from rising winter temperatures in southern India, while simultaneously posing challenges in northern and central states. Citizens are encouraged to stay updated with IMD bulletins and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities to minimize risks associated with extreme cold and foggy conditions.

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