New Delhi | January 14, 2026
North India remained in the grip of severe cold and dense fog on Monday, with temperatures plunging far below seasonal averages. Delhi recorded its coldest morning in three years, even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for cold wave and fog across the National Capital Region.
Despite brief periods of sunshine, icy winds and a persistent cold wave continued to disrupt daily life. Dense fog severely reduced visibility, further intensifying travel disruptions across major cities.
Delhi-NCR Records Extreme Cold
Delhi shivered at a minimum temperature of 3°C, the lowest in three years. Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and surrounding NCR regions also witnessed unusually low temperatures.
Noida: 2°C
Ghaziabad: 4.3°C
Delhi: 3°C (coldest in 3 years)
The cold wave persisted for the third consecutive day as maximum temperatures also remained below normal.
Temperature Crash Across North India
Multiple northern states witnessed temperatures nearing record lows:
Hisar (Haryana): 1.5°C
Narnaul (Haryana): 1.8°C
Karauli (Rajasthan): 2°C
Alwar (Rajasthan): 3.2°C
Pilani (Rajasthan): 5.8°C
SBS Nagar (Punjab): 0°C
Chandigarh: 2.8°C (coldest night of the season)
The freezing conditions substantially impacted road traffic, morning commutes, and normal routines across the region.
Himachal Pradesh Braces for Snowfall
The IMD has predicted that a new Western Disturbance may become active from January 15, bringing snowfall and rain between January 16–18.
A yellow alert has been issued for dense fog in lower Himalayan areas, while Chamba district faces a warning for intense cold wave.
Extreme temperatures in tribal regions have reached alarming levels:
Tabo (Lahaul-Spiti): –7.7°C
Kukumseri: –7.4°C
Kalpa: 0°C
Villages in high-altitude zones reported severe disruptions in day-to-day activities due to freezing conditions.
What’s Next?
According to IMD, strong westerly winds and an active Western Disturbance may keep skies cloudy over northwest India. Light to moderate rain is likely in the plains, while Himalayan regions may receive fresh snowfall.
For now, relief from extreme cold appears unlikely over the coming days.
