Delhi experienced its coldest January morning in 13 years on Monday as temperatures plunged to 2.9 degrees Celsius at the Safdarjung weather station, the India Meteorological Department reported. The severe cold wave has engulfed the national capital region and large parts of North India, prompting authorities to issue weather alerts and implement emergency measures to protect vulnerable populations.
The temperature drop represents the lowest January reading since 2013 when Delhi recorded similar freezing conditions. Neighboring areas experienced even more extreme cold, with Gurugram registering a bone-chilling 0.6 degrees Celsius early Monday morning. The IMD has issued an orange alert for Delhi-NCR, warning residents of continued severe cold conditions over the next several days and advising people to take precautions against hypothermia and cold-related illnesses.
School authorities across Delhi and surrounding states have announced closures for primary classes as the cold wave persists. The Delhi government ordered all schools to remain closed for students up to class five, while several districts in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have extended school holidays due to the hazardous weather conditions. Parents and education officials welcomed the decision, citing concerns about young children traveling in dense fog and extreme cold.
The severe weather has significantly impacted transportation across the region. Dense fog reduced visibility to near zero in several areas, causing flight delays at Indira Gandhi International Airport and disrupting train schedules throughout Northern India. Railway authorities reported multiple train cancellations and delays, with some services running several hours behind schedule. Motorists have been advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel during early morning hours.
Health officials have issued advisories urging residents to stay indoors during peak cold hours and wear multiple layers of warm clothing. Homeless shelters across Delhi have increased capacity to accommodate those without adequate housing, with the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board opening additional night shelters. Medical facilities have reported an increase in patients suffering from respiratory ailments and cold-related health issues, particularly among the elderly and children.
The IMD attributed the extreme cold to a combination of factors including clear skies, calm winds, and cold northwesterly winds flowing from the snow-covered Himalayan region. Meteorologists indicated that these conditions are likely to persist for at least another week, with minimum temperatures expected to remain between three and five degrees Celsius. The department has advised farmers to take protective measures for crops and livestock during this period.
State governments across North India have implemented various relief measures including distributing blankets and warm clothing to homeless populations and setting up community bonfires in public spaces. Chief Minister Atishi announced that the Delhi government would provide additional resources to night shelters and deploy teams to assist homeless individuals on the streets. Authorities emphasized that residents should check on elderly neighbors and ensure vulnerable family members are adequately protected from the cold.
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