Cold wave claims 29 lives, Freezing temps sweep across India

North India is facing an intense cold wave as temperatures plummet, causing a surge in cold-related deaths and disruptions in daily life. The Meteorological Department has issued cold wave alerts across nine states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab.

Death due to cold wave

The biting cold has claimed the lives of 29 people in Uttar Pradesh in the past 72 hours, including four deaths in the past 24 hours. Authorities declared a "cold day alert" in 16 districts, warning residents to take precautions. The chill is expected to worsen with forecasted rain and hailstorms.

Rickshaw pullers and daily wage workers in Lucknow, where temperatures were around 7ºC, are particularly vulnerable. Many were seen wrapping themselves in blankets and huddling around small fires to stay warm.

A cold wave has plunged temperatures below 10ºC in 35 cities across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. In Nagaur, Rajasthan, the mercury dropped to 2.5ºC. Cities in Madhya Pradesh like Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Bhopal experienced a sharp dip in day and night temperatures due to icy winds.

In Himachal Pradesh, dense fog and freezing conditions have reduced visibility to under 50 meters. A yellow alert for cold wave and fog is in Una, Hamirpur, and Bilaspur.

The cold spell has reached Tamil Nadu. Udhagamandalam (Ooty) recorded a temperature of 0ºC, causing frost in Kanthal and Thalaikuntha. The rare frost and icy roads surprised residents and tourists.

Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana are blanketed in dense fog, with zero visibility in several locations. The fog has caused significant delays in flights and trains, leaving passengers stranded.

In Haryana, Panipat, Sonipat, and Karnal are heavily affected, with the Meteorological Department issuing a cold wave and fog alert for the next three days.

What lies ahead

The cold wave will persist for the next two days, with the following conditions predicted:

• January 9: Dense fog in six states, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. Temperature may drop by another 2ºC. A lightning alert has been issued for northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Assam.

• January 10: Cold wave likely to intensify in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. Rain expected in parts of South India.

• Madhya Pradesh: Severe cold conditions will continue, especially in Gwalior and Chambal regions. A weather change is expected by January 10.

• Rajasthan: Cold wave warnings for eight districts. Night temperatures below 10ºC in most cities, with rain predicted before Makar Sankranti.

• Punjab: Dense fog and cold wave alerts are issued for 12 districts, including Chandigarh. The average temperature has dropped significantly in the last 24 hours.

• Chhattisgarh: Night temperatures are improving, but a 2ºC drop is anticipated soon.

Authorities urged people to stay indoors, use heaters or firewood to keep warm, and care for children and the elderly. Relief measures, including temporary shelters and blanket distribution, are being implemented in affected areas.

As the cold wave grips India, it highlights the challenges of extreme weather and the importance of preparedness to safeguard lives.

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