North India begins 2025 with biting cold, dense fog, and freezing temperatures, while shelters and bonfires provide temporary relief.
January 1, 2025: North India welcomed 2025 with an intense cold wave, as temperatures plummeted across Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. Cities and towns in the region woke up to dense fog, freezing winds, and record-low temperatures, disrupting daily life and travel.
Also Read: Preparing Your Diet for the Cold: Nutrient-Packed Foods for Winter
Delhi Shivers at 7°C
In Delhi, the minimum temperature dropped to 7°C, with dense fog blanketing key areas of the city. By 8:30 AM, temperatures hovered around 10.2°C, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
To address the challenges faced by the homeless, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) set up 235 pagoda tents and night shelters at AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and under the Nizamuddin flyover. Many residents were seen gathering around bonfires and offering morning prayers at temples like Pracheen Hanuman Mandir and Jhandewalan Temple.
Rajasthan Feels the Chill
Rajasthan recorded similar drops in temperatures, with Jaipur at 7.2°C, Bikaner at 7°C, and Churu at 6°C. The cold wave in the region intensified, and visibility remained low due to dense fog.
Foggy Start in Uttar Pradesh
In Ayodhya, heavy fog disrupted visibility, while Meerut recorded 9°C and Lucknow dipped to 10°C. The IMD forecast suggests that severe cold conditions might ease slightly after Wednesday.
Also Read: Dal Lake Freezes Over as Srinagar Shivers at -7°C Amid Intense Coldwave
Kashmir Freezes at -6°C
The Kashmir Valley experienced one of its coldest New Year mornings, with Pahalgam recording -6°C, Gulmarg at -2.4°C, and Srinagar dipping to -1.5°C. The famous Dal Lake in Srinagar remained frozen, painting a picturesque yet chilling scene. Banihal and Kupwara also recorded freezing temperatures, hovering around 0.4°C.
Despite the bone-chilling cold, people across North India welcomed 2025 with fervor, participating in temple prayers, street celebrations, and gatherings in parks.
Outlook for Coming Days
While the IMD forecasts some relief from the cold wave in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan by midweek, temperatures in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are expected to remain below freezing levels.
As North India continues to shiver, authorities are urging residents to take precautions, use available shelters, and avoid unnecessary exposure to the cold.
Tags: Kashmir Cold Wave, Delhi Winter, North India Cold Wave, Rajasthan Winter, UP Fog, Srinagar Freezing Temperatures, New Year 2025 Weather
