Delhi is currently battling an unprecedented cold wave that has shattered a 13‑year temperature record, with mercury dropping to a chilling 3°C in parts of the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) responded swiftly, issuing an orange alert that warns of heightened health risks, disrupted transport and increased energy demand. This article examines the meteorological backdrop, the official alert, the ripple effects on residents and businesses, and places the event within a broader historical and climatic context.
Record‑breaking chill
The city’s temperature fell to 3°C on the morning of 10 January, eclipsing the previous low of 4°C recorded in January 2011. Such a plunge is rare for the capital, where winter averages hover around 7‑12°C. The sudden dip was driven by a deep north‑western trough that ushered Arctic air southward, colliding with a weakened monsoon trough over the Indo‑Gangetic plains.
IMD issues orange alert
Recognising the severity, the IMD released an orange alert for the National Capital Region. The alert outlines specific thresholds and recommended actions:
| Alert level | Temperature range | Key advisories |
|---|---|---|
| Green | 10‑15°C | Normal precautions |
| Yellow | 5‑9°C | Dress warmly, limit outdoor exposure |
| Orange | 0‑4°C | Health alerts for vulnerable groups, increased heating demand, possible transport delays |
| Red | Below 0°C | Emergency measures, school closures, road safety warnings |
Authorities have been urged to mobilise emergency shelters, ensure power supply stability and disseminate health advisories, especially for the elderly, children and those with respiratory conditions.
Impact on daily life
Residents reported a surge in electricity consumption as households switched on heaters and electric blankets. Public transport faced sporadic delays; the Delhi Metro announced reduced frequencies on several lines, citing safety concerns on icy platforms. Schools and colleges in the outer districts postponed morning sessions, while street vendors struggled with reduced footfall.
- Health: Clinics noted a 22% rise in cold‑related ailments within 48 hours.
- Energy: Power utilities recorded a 15% spike in demand compared to the same period last year.
- Traffic: Fog‑related accidents increased by 9% on major arterial roads.
Historical context and future outlook
While the 2024‑25 winter set a new low, climatologists caution that such extremes are becoming more frequent. A review of the past two decades shows a gradual increase in the number of days below 5°C in Delhi, linked to shifting jet‑stream patterns and reduced snow cover in the Himalayas. The IMD’s latest long‑range forecast projects a higher probability of similar cold spells in the coming winters, underscoring the need for robust urban resilience planning.
In summary, Delhi’s recent cold snap has broken a long‑standing temperature record, prompting an orange alert from the IMD and affecting health, energy consumption, and transportation. The event highlights both the immediate challenges of extreme cold in a rapidly urbanising metropolis and the broader climatic trends that may make such occurrences more common. Authorities, citizens and policymakers must collaborate to strengthen preparedness, ensuring that future cold waves cause minimal disruption and safeguard public well‑being.
Image by: Frank Rietsch
https://www.pexels.com/@frank-rietsch-135445060
