A severe winter chill has firmly entrenched itself across northern parts of India, bringing a significant drop in temperatures and marking the season's first official cold day in the national capital. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported these developments, highlighting the sharp intensification of winter conditions.
Delhi Records Season's First Cold Day
The national capital, Delhi, experienced its first cold day of the season on Monday, January 6, 2026. A 'cold day' is officially declared by the IMD when the maximum temperature dips at least 4.5 degrees Celsius below the normal range. Residents of the city woke up to a dense layer of fog and a persistent, biting cold that lasted throughout the day, significantly reducing visibility and impacting daily life.
Gulmarg Becomes the Coldest Spot
While Delhi grappled with its cold day, the hill station of Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district earned the distinction of being the coldest recorded place in the region. According to the weather office, Gulmarg's minimum temperature plummeted to a frigid minus 8.6 degrees Celsius on Monday night. This extreme cold has transformed the popular tourist destination into a frosty wonderland, with temperatures far below freezing point.
Widespread Chill and Expected Impact
The cold wave is not isolated to these two locations. The weather system has a firm grip over most of North India, including the plains of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The IMD has attributed this plunge in temperatures to factors like:
- Clear skies allowing maximum heat radiation at night.
- Cold north-westerly winds blowing from the snow-clad Himalayas.
- A lack of western disturbances that usually bring milder weather.
The consequences of this harsh weather are manifold. Flight and train schedules have faced disruptions due to low visibility. Health officials have issued advisories, especially for the elderly and children, warning of respiratory illnesses. The biting cold is also affecting vulnerable populations and daily wage workers the most.
As per the forecast, the intense cold spell is likely to continue for the next few days. The IMD has indicated that similar conditions of cold days and frosty nights will prevail across North India, with no immediate relief in sight. Authorities are advising citizens to take necessary precautions against the cold.
