The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cold wave alert for Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and several other northern states, warning of dense fog and chilly conditions through December 31, 2025.
According to IMD, minimum temperatures in Delhi and NCR are expected to dip to 5–7°C, accompanied by dense fog during night and morning hours. Haryana and Punjab will also experience cold day conditions, with minimums ranging between 5–10°C and visibility severely affected.
Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have been placed under an orange alert for dense to very dense fog, with temperatures falling below 10°C in several districts. Cold day conditions are likely to persist in these states until December 28.
In Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, minimum temperatures have already dropped below 5°C in many areas, intensifying cold wave conditions. Eastern and northeastern states including Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura are also expected to witness dense fog until December 29.
The IMD has cautioned that dense fog will continue during night and morning hours in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi till December 31. Cold wave conditions are expected in isolated pockets of northwest India on December 26–27.
Citizens have been advised to take precautions against health risks, especially children, elderly, and outdoor workers. Low visibility may disrupt road, rail, and air traffic, and travelers are urged to exercise caution during early morning and late evening hours.
The forecast comes as dense fog has already engulfed Delhi and adjoining states, reducing visibility to less than 50 metres in some areas. With New Year approaching, IMD has urged citizens to plan outings carefully as cold wave and fog conditions are expected to disrupt daily life.
