Delhi shivers as temp Plunge Below 3°C Amid Himalayan Winds
North India is currently experiencing a severe cold wave, with temperatures in several states dropping well below normal, affecting daily life. Cold winds from recent snowfall in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are intensifying the chill across Delhi and other parts of northern India. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cold spell is expected to persist for the next few days, with conditions ranging from a cold wave to an intense cold wave in many areas.
The national capital recorded its first cold wave of the season as minimum temperatures dropped to 2.9°C. The IMD defines a cold wave as a minimum temperature falling 4.5–6.4°C below normal, a condition now observed across most parts of Delhi. Ayanagar emerged as the coldest area at 2.9°C, while Palam weather station recorded 3.0°C—the lowest in the past 13 years. Safdarjung Observatory reported a minimum of 4.8°C, 2.6°C below normal, with a maximum temperature of 18.8°C. The IMD has issued a ‘Yellow Alert’ warning of continued cold for the next two days.
Rajasthan Sees Sub-Zero Temperatures
Rajasthan is also shivering under intense cold, with several areas experiencing cold to severe cold wave conditions. Pratapgarh recorded a minimum between 0°C and -2°C, Barmer between 0°C and -1°C, Pilani at 1.2°C, Sikar at 1.7°C, Lunkaransar at 1.9°C, and Churu and Jhunjhunu around 2°C. The IMD forecasts further cold in the state over the coming days, with Punjab and Haryana experiencing similar conditions.
Extreme Cold in Kashmir Valley
In Punjab, Bathinda recorded 1.6°C, while Hisar in Haryana registered 2.2°C. Ludhiana, Patiala, Amritsar, and Gurdaspur also remained below normal. Jammu and Kashmir is facing even harsher conditions, with temperatures well below freezing. Srinagar recorded a minimum of -5.2°C, Shopian in South Kashmir -8.6°C, and Pahalgam -7.6°C. The Kashmir Valley is currently experiencing the ‘Chilla-e-Kalan’ period, a 40-day stretch of severe cold and potential snowfall.