Delhi and much of North India are bracing for an intense cold wave that has already driven temperatures down by up to three degrees Celsius. The chill is accompanied by dense fog that reduces visibility and a persistently poor Air Quality Index (AQI), keeping the capital’s air quality in the “severe” category. The India Today report highlights how the weather pattern is expected to linger through the weekend, affecting daily life, health services, and travel across the region. Below we examine the meteorological drivers, air‑quality concerns, societal impact, and the steps officials are taking to mitigate the cold spell.
Frosty front sweeps across north India
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributes the sudden temperature dip to a deepening western disturbance that has moved eastward from the Arabian Sea. As the system settles over the Himalayas, it channels cold, dry air into the Indo‑Gangetic plain, pushing mercury levels down by 3 °C in Delhi and surrounding states. Cities such as Lucknow, Chandigarh and Jaipur are also seeing similar falls, creating a blanket of fog that hampers morning commutes.
Air quality under stress
Even as the cold wave brings a temporary respite from summer smog, the AQI remains stubbornly poor. The CPCB AQI portal records Delhi’s index hovering around 250‑300, classed as “severe”. The combination of temperature inversion, vehicle emissions, and ongoing construction dust traps pollutants close to the ground, aggravating respiratory conditions. Health experts warn that vulnerable groups—children, the elderly, and those with asthma—should limit outdoor exposure.
Impact on daily life and health
Residents are adjusting to the cold in several ways:
- Transportation: Fog‑related delays have plagued Delhi’s metro and road networks, with several accidents reported on the Delhi‑Gurgaon Expressway.
- Energy demand: Power consumption for heating has risen by an estimated 12 % compared with the previous week, stressing the grid during peak evening hours.
- Public health: Hospitals have seen a 15 % increase in visits for cold‑related ailments, while the number of asthma attacks has climbed by 8 %.
Forecast and preparedness
IMD’s short‑term outlook suggests the cold wave will linger until Sunday, after which temperatures are expected to rebound gradually. Authorities have issued advisories:
- Delhi’s municipal corporation is deploying additional street‑lights and fog‑clearance teams.
- Health officials are distributing free masks and inhalers at community clinics.
- Power utilities are urging consumers to stagger heating usage to avoid load‑shedding.
Below is a snapshot of the current weather and air‑quality data for major North Indian cities (as of 2026‑01‑06):
| City | Current Temp (°C) | Expected Drop (°C) | AQI (CPCB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 8 | ‑3 | 260 (Severe) |
| Lucknow | 10 | ‑3 | 210 (Very Poor) |
| Chandigarh | 9 | ‑3 | 190 (Very Poor) |
| Jaipur | 11 | ‑3 | 225 (Very Poor) |
Conclusion
The cold wave gripping Delhi and its neighboring regions is more than a brief chill; it intertwines with persistent air‑quality challenges and disrupts everyday routines. While the temperature dip offers a temporary break from summer heat, the poor AQI and fog impose health risks and logistical hurdles. Continued monitoring by the IMD, proactive municipal measures, and public awareness are essential to navigate the remainder of the cold spell safely. Residents are advised to stay informed, limit outdoor exposure during peak fog hours, and follow official health advisories until temperatures normalize.
Image by: Argo Allvee
https://www.pexels.com/@argoallvee
