Residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) woke up to a damp and chilly Wednesday morning as light rains drizzled over the area. This unexpected shower arrived amidst a persistent and severe cold wave condition that has enveloped large parts of North India, bringing bone-chilling temperatures and disrupting daily life.
Weather Conditions and IMD Forecast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been actively monitoring the situation. According to their reports, the light rainfall experienced in the early hours of Wednesday, January 9, 2026, is part of a larger weather pattern affecting the region. The IMD has issued warnings for dense to very dense fog in several areas across North India, significantly reducing visibility.
Meteorologists attribute the current cold wave to a combination of factors, including the influence of western disturbances and a significant drop in minimum temperatures. The IMD forecast suggests that the cold day conditions are likely to continue for the next few days, with no immediate relief in sight. Night temperatures, in particular, have plummeted, making the early mornings and late evenings exceptionally harsh.
Impact on Daily Life and Travel
The twin challenges of cold waves and fog have begun to impact the northern plains of India. The reduced visibility due to fog poses a serious risk to road, rail, and air travel. Commuters in Delhi-NCR faced a difficult journey as the light rain combined with the cold to create slippery roads and poor driving conditions.
Flight and train schedules are on high alert for potential delays and cancellations. Authorities have advised citizens, especially the elderly and children, to take necessary precautions against the cold. The use of heaters and warm clothing has become essential, with health officials warning about the risks of hypothermia and respiratory illnesses.
Broader North India Weather Scenario
The cold wave is not confined to the capital alone. A large swathe of North India, including states like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, is reeling under similar severe cold conditions. Several stations in these regions have recorded minimum temperatures that are 3 to 5 degrees Celsius below the seasonal average.
While the light rain in Delhi-NCR provided a temporary change, it is not expected to break the cold spell. In fact, the moisture can sometimes intensify the feeling of cold. The IMD's regional forecasts indicate that isolated places in North India might witness similar light precipitation, but the overarching theme remains one of intense cold and foggy mornings.
As the week progresses, residents are bracing for colder days ahead. The weather department continues to advise people to stay updated with the latest alerts and limit exposure to the cold during early morning and late night hours. The situation underscores the significant impact of winter weather patterns on one of the most populous regions of the country.
