New Delhi: Large parts of the country are bracing for extreme weather as biting cold, dense fog and unseasonal rain dominate forecasts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). While northern states continue to reel under cold wave conditions, southern India—particularly Tamil Nadu—has been put on alert for heavy rainfall due to an unusual weather system over the Bay of Bengal.
In the national capital, residents endured an intense spell of cold as temperatures dropped sharply on Friday night. Delhi recorded its coldest January night in two years, with the minimum temperature slipping to 4.6 degrees Celsius. The last time the city experienced a colder January night was on January 15, 2024, when the mercury had plunged to 3.3 degrees Celsius.
Early Saturday morning saw thick fog blanketing several parts of Delhi, significantly reducing visibility. According to the IMD, similar conditions are likely to persist over the next few days, with cold wave and dense fog expected across north-western, central and eastern regions of the country.
The prolonged spell of harsh winter weather has already begun affecting daily life. Disruptions have been reported in rail and air traffic, with multiple trains and flights delayed or cancelled due to poor visibility.
Meanwhile, the IMD has issued cold wave alerts for parts of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, where night temperatures are expected to remain well below normal. Authorities have urged residents to take precautions, especially during early morning and late night hours.
In contrast to the freezing conditions in the north, southern India is preparing for an unusual January rain event. Meteorologists have warned that a weather system over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a deep depression, bringing widespread rainfall to Tamil Nadu. Heavy showers are expected in several districts, raising concerns about waterlogging and localised disruptions.
Delhi Outlook
For Delhi, forecasters expect cold conditions to continue through the weekend. The minimum temperature is likely to range between 5 and 7 degrees Celsius on Saturday, while daytime temperatures are expected to remain subdued, hovering between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius. Foggy mornings are likely to persist, particularly in low-lying areas.
The IMD has advised people across affected regions to remain alert and follow weather advisories as fluctuating conditions continue to impact different parts of the country.
