Prayagraj has been plunged into a severe cold spell, with residents enduring bone-chilling temperatures and dense fog that shows no sign of relenting. The district witnessed its coldest night of the season so far, shattering previous records and bringing normal life to a standstill.
Record-Breaking Temperatures Grip the City
The cold wave, which had been affecting the region for several days, intensified sharply. The mercury plunged to a season's low of 6.4 degrees Celsius on Monday night, marking the coldest night recorded this winter. This came as a shock to locals, as the temperature just 24 hours earlier, on Sunday night, was a comparatively milder 11.4 degrees Celsius, indicating a dramatic drop of nearly five degrees.
This new record eclipsed the previous season's low of 6.2 degrees Celsius noted on January 10, 2025. While Tuesday saw a slight increase in the maximum temperature to 18.2 degrees Celsius from Monday's 16.6 degrees, it provided little relief. The minimum on Tuesday stayed at a chilly 8 degrees Celsius.
Dense Fog and Icy Winds Disrupt Daily Life
The harsh conditions continued into Wednesday, with the maximum temperature dropping further to 16.2 degrees Celsius, two degrees lower than Tuesday. The minimum remained unchanged at 8 degrees Celsius. Thick fog enveloped the city from the early morning hours and persisted well into the night, severely reducing visibility and making travel on roads and highways hazardous.
Although the sun made a brief appearance around noon, its warmth was negated by icy north-westerly winds that maintained a piercing cold atmosphere. Residents reported feeling as if they were in a hill station, bundled up against the relentless chill from morning till late night.
Weather Outlook: More Cold Days Ahead
Meteorological experts have issued warnings that the cold spell is likely to intensify in the coming days. The ongoing snowfall in northern hilly regions and the continued flow of cold north-westerly winds are expected to push temperatures down even further.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast that dense fog and cold day conditions are likely to persist. However, there is a glimmer of hope for residents, as the city is expected to witness more sunlight after New Year's Day, on January 1.
The persistent cold wave and fog have significantly disrupted daily routines, affecting transportation, markets, and outdoor activities, with locals anxiously awaiting a return to more moderate winter weather.
