Severe Cold wave Grips Northern India, Dense Fog Disrupts Visibility
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A widespread and intense cold wave is impacting large swathes of India, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing warnings for cold wave conditions, cold days, and dense fog across multiple states as of Sunday, January 4, 2026. The conditions are expected to persist, raising concerns for public health and transportation.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for isolated areas in Haryana, Chandigarh, uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, and Punjab, indicating a heightened risk of severe cold.Additional cold day conditions are anticipated in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. A broad forecast predicts dense fog will blanket Assam, Meghalaya, bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, west Bengal, and Sikkim.
Delhi Braces for Continued Chill
In the nation’s capital, Delhi, residents are preparing for continued cold temperatures. the forecast for Sunday predicts a maximum temperature between 17 and 19 degrees Celsius,with a minimum ranging from 6 to 8 degrees Celsius. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for the region due to the ongoing cold wave. according to the weather department, moderate fog is expected in many areas, with the potential for dense fog in isolated pockets during the morning hours.
Visuals from India Gate in New Delhi show reduced visibility due to the cold and fog.
Air Quality Deteriorates Amid Cold Wave
Compounding the challenges posed by the cold weather,air quality in Delhi has declined. The Air Quality index (AQI) in the India Gate area currently stands at 287, categorized as “poor” by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). A senior official stated that the cold wave conditions are exacerbating pollution levels, trapping pollutants closer to the ground.This poses a health risk, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The combination of frigid temperatures, dense fog, and poor air quality presents a significant challenge for residents across Northern India. Authorities are urging citizens to take necesary precautions to protect their health and safety during this period of severe weather.
Why is this happening? The current cold wave is a result of an influx of cold and dry air from the western Himalayas, combined with calm wind conditions. This has led to a significant drop in temperatures and increased moisture in the air, creating dense fog.
Who is affected? Millions of people across Northern India are affected, including residents of Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, uttarakhand, and Delhi. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, are at higher risk.
What is the impact? The cold wave and dense fog are disrupting daily life, causing travel delays (especially air and rail), increasing the risk of accidents, and exacerbating health problems. Poor air quality is further compounding these issues.
How did it end? As of this report (January 4, 2026), the cold wave conditions are ongoing. The IMD forecasts that the conditions will persist for several days, with a gradual betterment expected around January 8th, 2026, as a new western disturbance approaches. authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to the public.
