Severe Cold Wave and Dense Fog in North India

Severe cold is currently gripping northern India, accompanied by dense morning fog, creating extremely challenging winter conditions. The unusual drop in temperatures, combined with poor visibility due to thick fog, has significantly disrupted daily life. From Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) to Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and parts of Bihar and central India, millions of residents are experiencing the brunt of these harsh weather conditions.

Schools in multiple districts have been closed to ensure the safety of children, while commuters and workers face significant challenges in traveling to their destinations. Authorities have issued multiple weather alerts warning of ongoing risks, emphasizing the importance of precautionary measures to avoid health hazards and accidents. The situation is further complicated by urban pollution, which intensifies the effects of cold and fog, making public health measures all the more critical.

Meteorological Causes of the Cold Wave

A cold wave occurs when temperatures remain significantly lower than seasonal averages for an extended period. In northern India, this winter’s cold wave is primarily caused by the convergence of several meteorological factors. Western disturbances, which are weather systems originating in the Mediterranean region, are interacting with cold Arctic air, intensifying the drop in temperatures. Additionally, high-pressure systems over northern India trap cold air near the surface, while clear skies during the night allow for maximum radiational cooling, where the heat absorbed by the earth during the day escapes into the atmosphere.

A temperature inversion layer often forms in these conditions, preventing warmer air from reaching the ground and leaving surface-level temperatures extremely low. These combined factors have resulted in nighttime temperatures plummeting well below normal, creating a persistent and hazardous cold wave.

Dense Fog and Its Implications

Alongside the cold wave, dense fog has become a significant concern. Fog forms when moisture near the ground condenses into tiny water droplets suspended in the air, reducing visibility. In winter, cold air cannot retain much moisture, so even small amounts condense easily. Calm or minimal wind conditions prevent the fog from dispersing, while temperature inversion traps both cold air and pollution near the ground, thickening the fog further.

This reduced visibility often drops below 50 meters in the morning, creating extremely hazardous conditions for road, rail, and air travel. Dense fog is a recurring winter challenge in northern India, but the intensity this year has forced authorities to issue yellow and orange alert warnings across multiple states, highlighting the severe impact on mobility and daily life.

Government Alerts and Safety Measures

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been actively monitoring the situation and issuing alerts to protect residents. Cold wave warnings cover large areas of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Bihar, and parts of central India. Dense fog warnings are similarly widespread, affecting morning travel and creating hazardous conditions on roads and highways. Local authorities have responded by closing schools, advising against nonessential travel, and emphasizing safety protocols.

These alerts are designed to reduce risks associated with prolonged cold exposure, including hypothermia, frostbite, and respiratory issues, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. The combination of expert forecasts and precautionary measures underscores the severity of the ongoing winter conditions.

Impact on Education and School Closures

One of the most visible consequences of the cold wave and dense fog is the closure of schools in multiple northern Indian districts. Cities such as Noida, Ghaziabad, Varanasi, and several others have ordered the shutdown of schools up to Class 8, citing extreme cold and poor visibility as safety concerns. In addition to protecting students from health risks like hypothermia, pneumonia, and bronchitis, these closures prevent accidents that may occur during early morning commutes in low-visibility conditions. Some districts have shifted to online classes or staggered timings to maintain continuity in education while ensuring safety.

Extended winter breaks, particularly in Delhi and Haryana, further illustrate how authorities are prioritizing public safety over routine academic schedules. The closures also reflect the seriousness with which government and school administrations treat extreme weather events, ensuring that children are not exposed to unnecessary risk.

Disruption to Daily Life and Transportation

The combination of cold temperatures and dense fog has severely disrupted daily life across North India. Commuters face delays due to low visibility on highways and urban roads, while train services experience delays or operational adjustments to maintain safety standards. Air travel is similarly affected, with early morning flights often delayed or canceled. Beyond transportation, the cold wave has increased energy consumption as residents rely on heaters and electric blankets, straining the power grid.

Supply chains and delivery services are also impacted, especially in sectors requiring time-sensitive logistics. For residents, the combination of extreme cold, fog, and pollution creates a challenging environment for performing routine activities, requiring caution and adherence to weather advisories.

Health Risks and Preventive Measures

Public health is a major concern during this severe cold wave. Exposure to extremely low temperatures can increase the risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and respiratory illnesses. Health officials advise wearing layered clothing, covering exposed skin, and minimizing outdoor exposure, particularly during early morning hours when temperatures are at their lowest. Hydration is essential, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions should take extra precautions. Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory illnesses, are particularly at risk. Experts recommend using scarves or masks to trap heat, avoiding prolonged exposure, and closely monitoring weather updates and alerts issued by the IMD and local authorities.

State-Wise Conditions

In Delhi-NCR, temperatures have dropped to single digits, and morning fog is severely limiting visibility, affecting travel and commuting. Uttar Pradesh has seen school closures in districts such as Gautam Budh Nagar, Ghaziabad, and Varanasi, with authorities emphasizing student safety. Rajasthan and central India are experiencing similar disruptions, with fog and low temperatures prompting school shutdowns and transportation advisories. Even Jharkhand and other eastern states have issued precautionary closures due to persistent cold. Across these regions, residents are advised to take proactive measures to protect themselves from the cold and avoid unnecessary travel.

Scientific Context and Patterns

The winter of early January 2026 is unusually persistent due to the interaction of cold Arctic air, Western disturbances, and temperature inversion layers. These conditions prevent daytime warming and maintain low surface temperatures, extending the duration of the cold wave. Dense fog formation is exacerbated by trapped moisture and pollution, creating thick, low-lying layers that persist into mid-morning hours. Northern India regularly experiences such patterns in January, but the intensity and duration this year have posed particular challenges for public safety, transportation, and daily routines.

Future Outlook

Meteorologists predict that the cold wave and dense fog will persist for several more days, continuing to impact northern India. Authorities are monitoring satellite data and surface temperatures to issue timely alerts. Residents are advised to continue adhering to safety protocols, including limited outdoor exposure, layered clothing, and safe travel practices. The extended cold is likely to maintain school closures and transportation advisories for the coming week. Proactive measures, adherence to weather warnings, and public awareness campaigns remain critical in minimizing the adverse effects of these extreme winter conditions.

The severe cold wave and dense fog affecting northern India represent a multi-dimensional disruption impacting education, transportation, public health, and daily life. With persistent low temperatures, thick fog, and limited visibility, residents are urged to take precautionary measures, follow government advisories, and prioritize safety over routine activities. School closures, travel disruptions, and heightened health risks underscore the seriousness of this weather event. This winter situation is a reminder of the challenges posed by extreme weather and the importance of preparedness and vigilance in minimizing its impact on communities.