DELHI: A severe cold wave has struck northern India, with temperatures plummeting to single digits across major cities. According to weather reports, the chilly conditions are forecasted to last from Tuesday night and intensify over the coming days, marking one of the harshest winters witnessed since late 2019. Weather experts expect the temperature drop to influence areas including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi between January 8 and January 16.

On Tuesday evening, cities such as Churu recorded temperatures as low as 8.6 degrees Celsius, while Patiala was at 9 degrees Celsius. Delhi registered a frigid 9.6 degrees Celsius, approximately 2.6 degrees lower than the same time the previous day. Significant fog is anticipated, drastically reducing visibility, particularly in areas stretching from Bareilly to Bahraich, affecting the daily commute and other activities.

Devendra Tripathi, founder of Mausam Tak, emphasized that the daytime temperatures in parts of north India might remain 4-8 degrees Celsius below the seasonal average. "This is a precursor to a prolonged cold wave, which could disrupt daily life," Tripathi said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) corroborated his observations, highlighting that such cold blasts can create challenging weather patterns, with temperatures plunging further over the next few days.

Additionally, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for dense fog and cold day advisories across the region. Delhi recorded its first cold day of the season, with maximum temperatures dropping sharply below normal levels, and the air quality is deteriorating rapidly in the capital city. The average Air Quality Index rose to 310, categorizing it as 'very poor.'

As northern India braces for this severe cold spell, southern states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala are projected to experience isolated rainfall, indicating a climate contrast within the country. With significant implications for travel, health, and agriculture, the severe winter wave that begins this week underscores the challenges of adapting to the evolving climate in India.