North India Cold Wave 2025 Update: Temperature Drop, Fog Alerts & Safety Tips

December 06, 2025

 

North India Cold Wave 2025: Extreme Temperature Drop, Weather Alerts, Safety Tips & Full Update

North India is facing one of the strongest and most widespread cold waves of the decade. As temperatures continue to drop sharply across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and parts of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued multiple alerts. Schools have changed schedules, visibility has dropped drastically due to dense fog, and road–air travel has been heavily impacted.

This article gives you a complete 2025 cold wave update including temperature reports, IMD alerts, fog impact, reasons for the sudden chill, and essential safety tips you should follow.

What is a Cold Wave? (Simple Explanation)

A cold wave is a rapid drop in temperature over a short period. According to IMD, a cold wave is declared when:

  • Minimum temperature drops below 4°C,

  • OR temperature is 10°C lower than normal,

  • OR strong icy winds blow across Northern plains.

This year, North India is experiencing all three conditions together — making it one of the strongest cold spells in recent years.

🌡️ Current Temperature Report: How Cold is North India Right Now?

Different states have recorded the lowest temperatures of the season:

Delhi NCR

  • Temperature dropped to 3–4°C at night.


  • Cold day to severe cold day conditions reported.

  • Visibility dipped to 50–120 meters due to dense fog.

Punjab & Haryana

  • Amritsar, Hisar, Bathinda dropped to 1–2°C.

  • Extreme wind chill made temperatures feel like minus in early morning.

Rajasthan

  • Churu, Sikar, and Pilani recorded 0–1°C.

  • Ground frost reported in several areas.

Uttar Pradesh

Bihar

Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand

  • Hill states have recorded -4°C to -10°C in upper regions.

  • Snowfall blocked major routes including parts of Leh-Ladakh highway.

Cold wave conditions are expected to continue for the next several days as per IMD.

🌀 Why Is This Cold Wave So Intense in 2025?

Meteorologists say this year’s cold wave is stronger due to multiple factors:

✔ 1. Strong Western Disturbance Movement

Snowfall in upper Himalayas pushes icy northern winds directly into Northern plains.

✔ 2. Clear Skies in the Plains

Clear skies at night increase heat loss, causing temperature to drop rapidly.

✔ 3. Dry Winds from Snow-Covered Mountains

Dry air cools faster, creating strong cold wave conditions.

✔ 4. La Niña Effect Strengthening Winter

La Niña usually brings colder winters in India, making temperatures 2–4°C below normal.

🚨 IMD Weather Alerts (Latest Update)

The India Meteorological Department has issued:

🔴 Red Alert for Severe Cold Wave:

  • Punjab

  • Haryana

  • North Rajasthan

  • Delhi NCR (selected areas)

🟠 Orange Alert:

  • Uttar Pradesh

  • Bihar

  • Madhya Pradesh

  • Uttarakhand foothills

🟡 Yellow Alert:

  • Remaining regions of North India

IMD warns citizens to avoid early morning travel due to extreme fog and low visibility.

🌫️ Dense Fog Impact: Transport System Hit Hard

This year’s cold wave also brought one of the densest fog layers in recent years, creating major disruptions.

Impact on Flights

  • Multiple delays at Delhi Airport.

  • Visibility dropping below 125 meters.

  • Passengers advised to check flight status before leaving home.

Impact on Trains

  • Over 150+ trains running late in North India.

  • Several long-distance trains delayed by 4 to 10 hours.

Impact on Roads

  • Highways experiencing slow traffic.

  • Multiple accidents due to zero visibility.

  • IMD advises fog lights and slow driving between 4 AM – 9 AM.

❄️ Health Impact of Cold Wave: Who Should Be Most Careful?

Cold wave affects:

  • Children below 10

  • Senior citizens

  • People with asthma or breathing issues

  • Heart patients

  • Outdoor workers

  • Pregnant women

Low temperatures and fog can cause:

🛡️ Safety Tips to Follow During Cold Wave

Here are the top steps to stay safe:

✔ 1. Keep Yourself Layered

Use multiple layers of clothing instead of a single thick jacket.

✔ 2. Avoid Early Morning & Late Night Travel

Fog is thickest between 4 AM to 9 AM.

✔ 3. Drink Warm Water Regularly

Prevents throat infections and keeps the body warm.

✔ 4. Use Room Heaters Safely

Ensure proper ventilation while using heaters.

✔ 5. Keep a Warm Cap & Socks On

Most heat escapes from head and feet.

✔ 6. Maintain Extra Care for Children & Elderly

Keep them indoors during peak cold hours.

✔ 7. Eat Winter-Friendly Foods

Like:
Ginger tea, jaggery, nuts, ghee, soups, seasonal vegetables.

✔ 8. Check Weather Alerts Daily

IMD and local news provide real-time cold wave warnings.

🧣 How Long Will This Cold Wave Last? (IMD Prediction)

According to IMD:

  • Cold wave conditions will continue for 3–5 more days.

  • Fog intensity may increase in the next 48 hours.

  • Day temperatures will remain 4–7°C below normal.

  • Another Western Disturbance is likely to intensify cold further.

So, North India should remain prepared for an extended winter spell this year.

🏠 Cold Wave Impact on Daily Life

Schools & Colleges

  • Timings have been shifted in many states.

  • Several districts in UP, Bihar, Haryana have declared holidays for junior classes.

Office Goers

  • Commuting is slower due to fog.

  • Work-from-home recommended where possible.

Street Vendors & Labor Workers

  • Exposure to cold increases risk of illness.

  • Local authorities providing night shelters.

Electricity Demand

  • Power consumption has increased due to heaters and geysers.

🔍 Conclusion: Stay Alert & Stay Safe

The North India Cold Wave 2025 is one of the strongest in recent years. Dropping temperatures, heavy fog, travel delays, and health risks make it essential for everyone to take proper precautions.

Follow IMD updates, avoid unnecessary travel, keep your family warm, and don’t ignore early signs of illness.

This winter may be long and extreme — awareness is the best protection.

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