A severe cold wave has tightened its grip across North India, with temperatures plummeting to record lows this morning. Gurugram became the coldest city in the National Capital Region (NCR), recording the season’s lowest temperature of 0.6°C. The bone-chilling conditions have been intensified by a dense layer of fog that blanketed the region, significantly reducing visibility and disrupting rail and road traffic.
Regional Temperature Breakdown The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that a combination of clear skies and cold northwesterly winds from the Himalayas has led to this sharp dip in mercury.
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Gurugram: At 0.6°C, the city recorded a temperature nearly five degrees below the normal average for this time of year.
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Delhi & Chandigarh: Both the national capital and the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana recorded a minimum of 3°C, keeping residents huddled indoors.
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Other Areas: Several parts of Haryana and Punjab, including Hisar and Bathinda, also reported temperatures hovering between 1°C and 4°C.
Impact on Daily Life The “teeth-chattering” cold has led to several operational challenges:
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Transport Disruption: Dense fog led to the delay of over [Number – e.g., 20] long-distance trains arriving at Delhi and Chandigarh stations. On the highways, commuters were seen driving with hazard lights on due to visibility dropping below 50 meters in certain pockets.
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Health Advisory: Health experts have issued warnings regarding respiratory issues and the increased risk of hypothermia for the elderly and homeless population.
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Schools: Several districts in Haryana have extended winter vacations or adjusted school timings to protect children from the early morning frost.
Weather Forecast The IMD has issued a ‘Yellow Alert’ for the next 48 hours, predicting that cold wave to severe cold wave conditions will persist across the plains of Northwest India. While a slight rise in temperature is expected by the weekend due to a fresh Western Disturbance, no immediate relief from the morning fog is in sight.
Local administrations have ramped up ‘Rain Baseras’ (night shelters) and distributed blankets to the needy. Public bonfires have also been arranged at major intersections in Gurugram and Chandigarh to provide some respite to outdoor workers and commuters.
